"Okay," Derek tells him, and he doesn't ask if he's sure. It's something that Thomas obviously wants to get off of his chest, even if he's nervous about it, so Derek will be there when he's ready to tell. Thomas accepted him being a werewolf so readily, and touched him without fear or disgust, so Derek can't imagine that there is anything he'd react too badly to. "Whenever you want to race again, let me know. If I'm in a good mood, I might even let you win."

He bumps their shoulders together with a small smile as they walk, and Derek can't help but to remember what it was like to feel Thomas' fingers working through his fur. His wolf so rarely gets affection, no matter how desperately they both crave it, so it's hard not to want it again. "Maybe you'll run a little faster if there's an actual wolf nipping at your heels."