You stood outside the loft, arms crossed, staring at the city lights beyond the warehouse district. The air was cold, but it wasn’t the wind that made you shiver.

You heard him approach before he spoke—his footsteps were always so careful, as if he wasn’t sure if he was welcome.

“{{user}}.”

You exhaled sharply, but you didn’t turn around. “Took you long enough.”

Derek hesitated, then stepped closer. “I shouldn’t have done it.”

That made you turn. His face was unreadable, but his eyes—those damn eyes—held something raw.

“I broke my promise to you,” he admitted, voice rough. “And I hurt someone you care about.” He exhaled, looking down. “I let my fear control me. I thought I was protecting us, building something strong enough to survive. But all I did was push you away.”

The vulnerability in his voice made your chest tighten.

“You should’ve told me,” you whispered.

“I know.” His jaw clenched. “I was afraid you’d try to stop me.”

“I would have,” you admitted.

A humorless chuckle escaped him. “Yeah. And you would’ve been right.”

Silence settled between you, heavy with everything unsaid.

Finally, Derek took a cautious step forward. “I don’t expect you to forgive me right away.” He hesitated. “But I need you to know—I hate that I hurt you. And if I could take it back, I would.”

You searched his face, trying to find some part of you that still wanted to stay angry. But this was Derek—guarded, stubborn, and so, so afraid of losing the few people he had left.

You sighed. “You’re a real idiot, you know that?”

His lips twitched. “I’ve heard.”

You shook your head before stepping into him, pressing your forehead against his chest. Derek let out a slow breath, his arms wrapping around you, careful, as if afraid you might pull away.

But you didn’t.

Not this time.