After the words had left his mouth, Thomas wondered if he'd said too much. He didn't want to make Derek uncomfortable, not when he was probably still healing from a departure that cut him deep. The words were sincere and they'd been tucked away in a corner of Thomas's heart for a little while now. Just like the Maze, just like the Scorch, he knew he couldn't make it in this city alone. He didn't even want to be alone though he would always think people here were much better off without him.

"See, no harm in teaching me to cook," Thomas said lightly. The smile answered Thomas's question about whether he'd made Derek uncomfortable. It wasn't forced or faked and Thomas liked the way it looked on Derek's face. "Well, not unless you mind me starting small fires because I bet that happens. Frypan probably got off easy when I didn't get a go in the kitchen."