new york wolves } { of steps forward and new seconds

[hereditare]

Peter: [he fell asleep with the laptop on his bed, working on a project that Sheriff Stilinski had asked for his help on. There are two books open, one on his stomach as he is still asleep]

Laura: [pops her head in to check on him and sighs before making her way in and starting to clean up, making sure the books are bookmarked for where he left off and whatever he's working on is saved before he closes the computer]

Peter: [when she goes to grab the book on his chest, his hand snaps up to grab her wrist, his eyes blinking open] I can do this.

Laura: [freezes before looking back at him] Didn't think you couldn't. Just thought you were asleep.

Peter: I was. [and he lets her go, shifting to sit up a bit]

Laura: [pulls back when he lets her go, watching him for a moment] You're cranky this morning.

Peter: I'm fine. I just was up late. [which is true. Not the reason he was cranky, but it was a true statement he will differ it at]

Laura: Mmmm-hmmm.

Peter: [just gives her a raised eyebrow]

Laura: [raises one right back] You don't think I didn't see Jeremy and Malia at the kitchen table this morning.

Peter: [and he will drop his gaze as he gets up, going to move his stuff to his desk] It's her boyfriend. It's not like Stiles wasn't here before he moved in.

Laura: No, but Cora wasn't pissed at you and using him for revenge. [she knows how Malia operates when she's upset at this point, and she knows how it gets under Peter's skin]

Peter: [and he's going to just stay silent, focusing on putting things in the right spots on his desk]

Laura: [and she will sit on the edge of his bed, waiting quietly to see if he'll crack that way or if she has to do a little more prodding]

Peter: [there is only so much on his desk he can clean!] You're waiting for me to talk to you about my frustrations.

Laura: That is generally what I am here for.

Peter: I'm well aware of Malia's anger in my direction. What she chooses to do with it... [and he just trails off there]

Laura: Peter. What you say is between us. You don't have to be diplomatic.

Peter: I know that. [he just sighs and his shoulders drop a bit] I'm not earning a father of the year award anytime soon, Laura. I know this.

Laura: [she sighs] Okay, your approach could use a little work, but considering you're pretty new to the father thing, I think we can cut you a little slack. That and giving you time to realize that falling back on old habits can only get you so far.

Peter: I don't even know if she really wants me as a father, Laura. She has her parents. We're family. Maybe it's better to leave it as is.

Laura: Is that what you want?

Peter: I don't know what I want.

Laura: Look, I don't think Malia's mad at you because you weren't being fatherly enough. I think she's just mad at you because you were being an ass.

Peter: [and he will look at her over his shoulder]

Laura: [she gives him a look right back] Look, I'm all for the tough love approach when it works, but you can't lose sight of the fact that the last time Malia didn't have control of her shift prior to the vault, she killed someone.

Peter: I'm well aware of that. [turns and leans against his desk, arms crossed]

Laura: Fear doesn't anchor her. Fear makes her worse.

Peter: And I was trying to tell her that she needed to move past the fear. To not let it control her.

Laura: By goading her into coming at you? Or threatening to release her on the world? That's the kind of thing that's just going to scare her more.

Peter: I didn't threaten to release her into the world like that...

Laura: To her that's what it seemed like.

Peter: [sighs] You ever have a feeling you know how to fix something, and maybe it's not pretty, but it's the right way to get it fixed? This isn't about rebuilding up her strength against the moon's pull. This is her needing to know she won't hurt us. That deep inside she can pull herself back and stop herself.

Laura: I know. But Malia isn't worried about hypotheticals. She isn't like Cora, who's never hurt anyone and is confident in her control. Malia sees herself as the worst case scenario. She knows she knows how to do it - that's how I taught her before, seeing me and Cora and Derek do it taught her to do the same. And she worked really hard to keep it that way. [she sighs] It's not that she doesn't think she can. It's that she was weak enough to let them take it from her.

Peter: But she's not weak, unless she believes she is. Even I would have had problems if I had been locked up like that. [no, let's face it, they would have killed Peter after the first month]

Laura: No, Peter. [she gets up and moves closer, placing her hands on his arms gently because he's looking at this too practically] Malia values her control above all else, because she worked hard to get it. It's something she built for herself, that other people weren't supposed to be able to take from her and they did. [there's a pause] They didn't just set her back. They broke her heart.

Peter: But all of you are looking at them having taken it. They didn't. The control is in her head. She hasn't lost that. It's only her body's resistance that's changed. She knows how to keep the control. She did it just fine. She just needs to rebuild the tolerance. [he sets his jaw] I was trying to show her that they didn't break her. That she's not broken... but she needs to believe that. She needs to see that her ability to build up that tolerance replies on her understanding that. If she thinks she's broken, she's letting them take her control still.

Laura: But they did take it, Peter. The tools she uses may still be there but the alpha pack kidnapped her, broke her down and took away that choice from her. That can be just as damaging as any kind of physical trauma. They took something that we tell betas from the time they're kids that they're responsible for and they control and they have the choice to be predators rather than killers and they said no - you don't get a choice. We make the choice. [she swallows, crossing her arms in front of her chest] For Cora, it's easier. She's never been a killer. But Malia has. So for her, that whole experience in the vault was saying that you can work as hard as you want, get as much control as you want, but we can still decide when we want you to be a monster. And she's allowed to take time to process that out of her system.

Peter: [he scowls, because they obviously have a very different set of opinions on that, but finally he just shrugs] Then maybe it's better for you and Derek to help her and leave me out of it.

Laura: [sighs a bit and nods] That might work better for everyone.

Peter: Then it's settled. [and he's going to push himself away from the desk] I need to get ready for work.

Laura: Right. I'll go. [and she'll take a breath before turning to head towards the door] Have fun at work.

Peter: [nods, and he notices that the door has been cracked open the whole time, and he scowls before heading to take a shower]

Malia: [pretty much shut her door the second she figured out they were talking about her, which is probably for the best.]

Peter: [probably. But he's going to just... do the whole hiding in the library thing]

Malia: [she doesn't expect him to get it. But it would hurt a little that it doesn't seem like he's trying to]

Peter: [if anyone comes to the library to find him later, they are going to see he's actually got a psych book on his desk, a book on PTSD and survivor guilt. Which he is avoiding after reading through it and finding too many similarities to himself as well and wow denial is strong in this one]

Nadia: [makes her way over, pulling out a chair across from him and peering at the cover] Looking for something in particular?

Peter: [he sighs, leaning back in his chair] Sometimes I think I'm just destined to do more harm than good.

Nadia: How do you mean?

Peter: Malia.

Nadia: Is she still having trouble?

Peter: Yes, and apparently I didn't help much trying to bolster her confidence, and because of that she's mad at me because I don't seem to understand her real issues. [he rubs a hand along his face]

Nadia: [she nods slowly] Our anchors are an emotional thing. Trying to take the rational approach doesn't always work as well as we'd like.

Peter: Laura told me that I needed to remember that Malia ties her control to what happened to her as a child on her first change. I've never had to deal with that kind of problem before. So I'm trying to find a way to at least understand it.

Nadia: I know she's not always the best with words, but have you tried talking to her about it - not on a full moon?

Peter: I'm not sure she really wants anything to do with me right now. [huffs] She paraded her boyfriend around while I was home last night and he spent the night over. Not that it bothers me that she's doing it, but she did it intentionally to get under my skin. [and yes, it worked]

Nadia: [she laughs] So you skipped the adorable parts of having a daughter and jumped right to the teen drama. How unfortunate.

Peter: [licks his lips] Honestly, I don't think I'd have been a good father to her anyway.

Nadia: [watches him quietly for a moment] Peter, you've had her since she was eleven. Like it or not, you pretty much have been a father to her.

Peter: I've had all those kids for ten years. Sure, Laura was an adult at that point, but she's always going to be a kid to me. [he rubbed his eyes] Those kids are the only reason I'm here for you to talk to.

Nadia: I know.

Peter: Truth be told, they don't need me anymore. Laura should be training Derek to be her second, not holding onto me.

Nadia: Packs change, and because of that expectations can change. While it was probably originally intended for Derek to be her second, circumstances changed and she bonded with you instead. There's nothing wrong with that.

Peter: [he sighed] Sometimes I think I'm bad for the pack though, Nadia. I don't think I should be anymore.

Nadia: Why not?

Peter: I came from a different time. The way I see the world isn't how they need to live. They need to move on and start their lives. But they all hold back. They're afraid they're going to lose it again. If they get too happy, it'll be stolen from them. And I don't help.

Nadia: So you really think that putting Derek in your place will change that?

Peter: He's grown up a lot in the last year. Beckett's really helped him finally move on. I think he's ready, yeah.

Nadia: Then you should talk to Laura about it.

Peter: [nods] I will.

Nadia: For what it's worth, Peter, I don't think you're keeping them from moving on. It's natural for people that have had a lot of loss and complications in their lives to hold back. But that's something they have to work through on their own - that's not something you can force on them.

Peter: That's the problem. It was pretty much forced on me. I can't see it differently. [he will never blame Laura for it, but her need for him made him force himself through it all. He never took time for himself to heal - his scars proved that for so long] I can't give that to them. I don't know how.

Nadia: They're not asking you to.

Peter: Maybe not, but it's what they need.

Nadia: And what are you going to do while they're figuring this out?

Peter: [sighs and leans back in his chair] I don't know.

Nadia: [considers for a moment, before shifting and resting her chin in her hand] I just found out I've been asked to do an art installation in London. Six months. I was going to bring it up later, figured we'd work out time to see each other on weekends or what have you, but given the situation ... do you want to come with me?

Peter: [he purses his lips a moment, thinking, then nods] Actually... that sounds wonderful.

Nadia: [nods with a small smile] Good.

Peter: [reaching across the table to take her free hand] You sure you can put up with me for six months straight?

Nadia: [her smile widens as she gives his hand a squeeze] I think I can manage. Can you?

Peter: I think so. I'm willing to try.

Nadia: Good. It doesn't start for a couple of weeks, so that gives you some time to figure out how to break the news to the rest of your pack.

Peter: I'll probably talk to Laura first, and see how we want to do it. [there's a small smile on his face, and a hint of something in his eye. Something that hadn't been there when she arrived. It was sometime akin to hope.]

Nadia: [nods, brushing her thumb over the back of his hand] Probably best.

Peter: [thinks a moment, looking at their hands] I think I need this too. I think it's time I stop seeing myself as being their protector, and find out who I really am. [he looked at her] And find out who we are going to be. [he squeezed her hand]

Nadia: [she squeezes her hand in return] It's okay if you still need to be their protector, you know. That doesn't impact us.

Peter: I will always protect those kids. I promised Tali. But I think that right now, they need to start making their pack. They all have mates at some level. They need to make choices, and I think if I'm not there, it'll help them shift into spots that they will think on it.

Nadia: [nods] Then this makes sense.

Peter: And who knows... maybe by the time we come back, they won't need me there as much, and you'll be stuck with me.

Nadia: I can't say I'd have a problem with that.

Peter: Neither do I. [though he has a lot of fears in that regard. So many]

Nadia: Good. [don't get too ahead of yourself, Peter. One day at a time]

Peter: [he nods, then looks at the book] Now I just need to figure out how to apologize to my daughter.

Nadia: That, you need to figure out on your own. Though I would recommend doing that before you discuss leaving with Laura.

Peter: [nods] I just worry I'm going to make it worse.

Nadia: Just take your time. Don't try and rush into the apology.

Peter: [nods, and then the library chimes that it's closing] And it looks like I’m flushed out of hiding and have to go home.

Nadia: [she nods as she gets up] If it goes badly, I'll be home all night and I have wine.

Peter: Maybe I'll do what the kids do and climb in your window and sneak into your bed. [smirks]

Nadia: [laughs] Just don't get caught by the building manager. Last I checked he didn't take too kindly to people scaling his building.

Peter: He obviously was not a fan of Spiderman as a child. [stands and leans in to kiss her]

Nadia: [kisses him back softly] Obviously not.

Peter: [nuzzles her cheek] I'll call you and let you know if I'm coming over.

Nadia: [she smiles] I'll see you then. [and they'll part ways here]

Peter: [and he's going to take the long way home, and after a moment, stops and looks at an international market and gets a bag of deer jerky as a peace offering before heading home]

Malia: [is home and Jeremy-less, resting on her stomach on her bed and while she doesn't react when the door opens and closes, she does when she manages to pick up ...] Deer?

Peter: [goes to knock on her door, opening it a bit] I come with a peace offering. [he offers her the bag] And it's not contingent on you accepting an apology, for the record.

Malia: [she glances from him to the bag for a moment and back again, weighing her options, before she swings around and reaches up to take it. she almost never gets deer after all]

Peter: [only at Christmas when he gets it for her stocking] I would like to talk with you. More though that I want to listen. I wronged you the other day, I get that.

Malia: [she settles cross-legged back on her bed, and opens the bag first, taking a deep breath with a small, pleased noise before glancing back to him again] Okay.

Peter: [he closes the door to give them privacy, then sits backwards in her desk chair, crossing his arms on the back of it] I'm sorry I hurt you. It wasn't my intention. I just wanted to help, but I see I just made it worse for you. And I'm sorry.

Malia: [nods a bit] It's okay. [well, it's not okay, but that's what you're supposed to say when you're not mad anymore]

Peter: I talked with Laura, and I think you'd have better help from her and Derek than me. But I want to understand where I went wrong. Just so I don't hurt you again.

Malia: [pauses for a moment, looking down at her hands as she tries to find the words. Words are never easy, but she doesn't want to fight again so she's taking her time] I didn't really notice it until after. The first time I shifted we were in the car and I attacked my mom and my sister and it's kind of like ... I was going on instinct and after that instinct passed and the car crashed, that was when I realized what I did and I turned the rest of the way and I got stuck. I couldn't go home so instincts were easier to deal with. [she let the coyote take over and that was how Laura found her]

Peter: [he just nods, listening. He's not going to interrupt her, or try to lead the conversation for once]

Malia: When Laura taught me to control it, she said it was up to me. That I was responsible for my shift and what kind of shifter I wanted to be. That I could choose to be good or bad. [it's simplistic, because when Laura explained this to her she was explaining it to an eight year-old in an eleven year-old's body, but the connection was there. Malia didn't have to be the monster if she didn't want to be and she didn't want to be] All they did was put me in a box and suddenly I couldn't chose anymore.

Peter: [he nods] I know that it's different, but you understand the science behind what happened?

Malia: [nods, and snarls slightly] He explained it to us.

Peter: I don't always look at things the way for how it feels. I look at the facts.

Malia: I know. [which she appreciates about him ninety percent of the time - the other ten percent being when it's her feelings they're dealing with] I know that I can still do it. Just that night in the woods felt like the first time and ... I didn't want to be bad. [but she was anyway]

Peter: I know, sweetheart. We all know that.

Malia: I know. [her eyes drop to her hands again] It just hurts. [in a way she doesn't know how to quantify beyond that.]

Peter: [he gets up to go over and sit next to her] Do you know why wolves form packs?

Malia: Safety in numbers.

Peter: It's more than that. Wolves never abandon a hurt member of their back. They circle around them, protect them. Groom them, even bring food back and will feed them. [no need to give gross details] You're hurt and scared, and my biggest instinct right now is to make sure you're safe. That's what we all feel. I just am not apparently good at my execution. So I need you to tell me - how can I help you not hurt anymore?

Malia: [she's quiet for a moment, considering carefully, before she inches closer, tucking herself gently into his shoulder] This is good. [sometimes less is more]

Peter: [wraps his arms around her, pulling her in close] I'm so sorry I hurt you, baby.

Malia: [doesn't say anything in response, just curls into him and closes her eyes, letting herself relax a little bit]

Peter: [and he will be content to just hold her, his hand gently rubbing her back and keeping her close]

Malia: [and she will stay there for a while until it starts to get uncomfortable and she'll pull back, before pointing back down to her laptop] I have to get back to my homework.

Peter: I understand. [he gives her a soft pet along her hair, and then stands up] Don't eat all that jerky at once, or you'll get sick.

Malia: Okay. [she's totally going to eat at least half the bag in one sitting]

Peter: [and he's going to leave her, debating on if he should talk to Laura now, or wait.]

Laura: [well, if he decides to do it she's probably holed up in the entertainment room watching a zombie movie]

Peter: [and this is why his mun keeps dice at work. He's going to go off in the direction of the zombies against his better judgment]

Laura: [glances up when she hears him coming and gives him a small smile] Are you why the apartment smells like hydrogenated imitation deer product?

Peter: The label said it was real deer, for the record. [reaches over the back of the couch for a handful of popcorn]

Laura: I'm sure it did. [she'll lift the bowl to give him better access, before patting the space next to her] Sit.

Peter: [moves to sit next to her] If I had known you wanted some, I would have gotten you your own bag.

Laura: I don't. But I take it this means you and Malia are okay again?

Peter: We're getting there. She accepted my apology, but I still need to make sure I show her that I'm trying to understand more when she needs me to be.

Laura: [she nods] But at least it's a step in the right direction.

Peter: True. [he watched the screen a moment, and then] Do you remember, maybe a year ago now... we had that talk about my spending time away from the pack?

Laura: [considers for a moment, before squinting with one eye] Vaguely.

Peter: Now that you kids are grown up, finding your mates and deciding your own futures... time for me to take a step back and figure out who I am now that I'm not needed to father you all the time?

Laura: [purses her lips for a moment before glancing back to him] How big a step are we talking?

Peter: [he takes a deep breath] Nadia has asked me to join her for a six month excursion to London with her.

Laura: [her eyes widen a bit and she takes a deep breath] That's a big step.

Peter: I know. [he looks at her] And one I think needs taking. For both you and myself.

Laura: When do you leave?

Peter: A few weeks. Enough time for us to figure things out.

Laura: [takes another slow breath and nods] Okay.

Peter: You will have to choose a new second. You've got two good choices.

Laura: I'm guessing one of them is Derek?

Peter: Yes. The other being a detective who has proven to be your match in both heart and head.

Laura: Javi isn't a wolf.

Peter: You know as well as I that a pack isn't just wolves.

Laura: I know. [but it would feel weird, having a second who wasn't a wolf]

Peter: But it's your choice to make.

Laura: [nods] I'll figure it out.

Peter: So does that mean you'll let me go? [he knows it's not permanent, but it was half a year away. He could be summoned back at a moment's notice, but it was different than Derek moving to Michael's. This was him leaving his pack knowing that he was giving up his station among them]

Laura: Peter, if you need to go, go. I'm not going to stop you.

Peter: [he isn't sure how to take that, so he just nods]

Laura: [she sighs before reaching forward and placing her hands on his] This is a good thing. And I'm happy for you. I will figure everything else out.

Peter: When we go to tell your siblings... let me tell Malia first.

Laura: [nods] Sure.

Peter: [he turned his hand to squeeze hers gently] Everything will be fine. [saying it for himself as much as her]

Laura: Yes, it will. Enjoy this, okay?

Peter: I'm going to try.

Laura: Good.

Peter: And it's time for you to claim your stake here, you know?

Laura: How do you mean?

Peter: I think we both know you're not going to be returning to Beacon Hills. Your brother said his goodbyes. Malia has nothing there for her. And I don't see you or Derek leaving your respective detectives anytime soon. [he reached up to stroke her cheek] It's time you set up real roots. Give your pack security that this is home for good.

Laura: And how do you suggest I do that?

Peter: Talk to Victor. I think at this point, it's obvious where our packs are going to be connected permanently. [because he wasn't leaving Nadia anytime soon] The area between the penthouse, to the twelfth, to Michael’s and along the Hudson were Ivanov territory. They're gone. Claim it for the Hales. Make it known that the Hale alpha is here to stay.

Laura: [she purses her lips for a moment before nodding] It's probably been long enough at this point that it won't look like a power play.

Peter: The only ones who have stake in Beacon Hills anymore is Stiles and by him, Cora. And I think you saw as much as I did that Stiles has a tiny pack of his own growing back there.

Laura: [nods] But I don't think Cora would be looking to move back to Beacon Hills permanently.

Peter: I don't either, but it's going to be a choice she and Stiles have a year and a half to make.

Laura: [takes a deep breath and nods] I guess it will.

Peter: [leans forward to kiss her forehead] You're ready for this, Laura. I know it's a lot of change, but it's your time. It's time for you to take it.

Laura: [closes her eyes as she leans into him] Yeah, well. You know me and change. Takes me a minute to wrap my head around it.

Peter: I know. And I know my leaving is taking the training wheels off, theoretically.

Laura: At least I know Victor won't eat me alive. Theoretically.

Peter: You never know... in another year... if things go well... maybe you'll be family at that point.

Laura: [eyebrows go up at that and she gives him a wide grin] Oh really?

Peter: [and you'll get as much of a blush from him as Peter would ever show] I haven't asked her how she feels yet... but I feel it. [he smiles] She makes me happy.

Laura: [and that makes the smile a little softer as she nods] Good.

Peter: [he nods, and then tucks her under his arm] So what kind of zombies are you watching tonight?

Laura: [shifts to curl into him] Comedic fodder zombies. [she's watching Zombieland] You just missed them killing Bill Murray.

Peter: Oh, that would have been my favorite part. [grabs another handful of popcorn]

Laura: I can rewind if you want.

Peter: No, it just gives me a reason to watch it with you again another time.

Laura: Okay. [and with that she will just snuggle in for the rest of the movie, which won't be much longer - Bill Murray is about three quarters of the way through.]

Peter: [he's good with it. Because now he knows that these snuggle days are going to be limited soon, so best he gets them in now]

Laura: [indeed. She's feeling the same which is why once it's over she'll just silently skip to another movie that's a little more in between without skipping a beat. They can deal with the rest of the pack later]

Peter: [he knows what she's doing and isn't going to stop her. He can survive on popcorn for dinner]

Laura: [but eventually she will have to let him go, even if she's going to keep hanging out in the TV room for a bit, needing some time to process things]

Peter: [he will, and will text Nadia that London is a go]

Nadia: [and she will be pleased.]

Derek: [and while they are texting, the cop is finally home, and all but faceplanting onto the couch. Because long day was long and he's too tired to climb stairs]

Laura: [glances over and smirks] That bad a day, huh?

Derek: We were almost out. Almost. And then someone called in a murder.

Laura: So close and yet so far.

Derek: We're waiting on Lanie's results, so I can get a few hours of sleep and have to go back.

Laura: That's good at least. [pauses, turning things over in her head for a moment] Too exhausted for me to talk to you about something?

Derek: How much thinking am I going to need to do?

Laura: Possibly a lot. But you don't have to give me an answer right away.

Derek: [and he's going to roll over onto his back, adjusting himself on the couch to be able to look up at her] Alright, hit me with it.

Laura: [she takes a deep breath, shifting so that she's facing him the same way. She glances back over her shoulder, listening to make sure there's no movement in the penthouse because she intends to keep her promise to Peter about not telling Malia first, but she needs to talk to Derek about this.] Peter's stepping down as my second. Nadia is doing this art installation in London and asked him to go with her, and ... he needs to go. It's going to be six months.

Derek: [his eyes widen] He's what?

Laura: He needs this, Derek. After everything he did for us after the fire, I owe him at least that much.

Derek: But... but he's the second. He's always been...

Laura: I know. But he was Mom's. He wasn't supposed to be mine.

Derek: Yeah, but it's not like you and he had time to find a train another person.

Laura: Yeah, well. Now we do. He needs to do something for him, so I'm letting him.

Derek: [he looks at his sister a moment] So who are you thinking of training?

Laura: [deep breath] Peter says I have two choices. There's Javi, but ... I don't want that for him. It's not that I don't think I could trust him with it, but the second needs to be able to put the pack first over me and I don't ... I need things to be different with him. [she needs him to always put her first, even when she won't do it for herself and he can't do that if he's her second. That's the part of her she needs to trust him with - the girl not the wolf] And then there's ... you. [which is how it was supposed to be in the first place]

Derek: ... You realize I'm the worst choice for that, right?

Laura: Why's that?

Derek: I don't have near the amount of knowledge Peter's got. And Mom always said that the alpha and the second one being the head, the other being the heart to keep balance. We're both hearts, Laura. I'm not built to think with my head first.

Laura: That's how she and Peter worked. We don't necessarily have to work the same way, but there's no one I trust more with this than you. It was supposed to be you. [they were both supposed to have time and training everything in between but they didn't. Now they're winging it, but she thinks they're doing pretty well so far] Look, you don't have to say yes or no now. Just ... think about it. Okay? And if you really don't want it, I'll ... I'll figure something else out.

Derek: [he nods] I'll think about it. [he'll do it. If Peter is leaving, he would do it. But he doesn't think he's the right fit]

Laura: [might come to the same conclusion after a while, depending how things shake out. It's supposed to be Derek, but this family was supposed to be a lot of things it wasn't] Okay.

Derek: [is quiet a moment] You okay?

Laura: I don't know. I'm still kind of ... spinning.

Derek: Maybe you should get some sleep. It'll help.

Laura: [sighs] Yeah. Yeah, maybe.

Derek: [rolls off the couch and offers her a hand] Come on, I'll tuck you in.

Laura: [takes his hand and lets him pull her to her feet] Okay.

Derek: [and tucking in pretty much is code for snuggling with her]

Laura: [yep, she figured. bedtime for them both]