[ That's still a little confusing to Derek, because if Claire was truly misstepping, he wouldn't be here. But then, he reminds himself, Claire is still getting to know him, so she can't really be confident in knowing that about him yet. It's fair for her to feel the way she feels, just as it's fair for him to feel a little put out by the fact that him liking the idea of taking his time appears to be so incredibly frustrating to the women around him. ]

I don't do things like this because I'm feeling obligated. I join a fight because I feel obligated. I come back to help people after leaving somewhere, because I feel obligated. I don't ask women out to museums or meet them for drinks or come out to the beach for skinny-dipping because I feel obligated.

[ He wets his lips and takes a deep breath, sighing it back out softly. ]

I don't really have any interest in having sex anytime soon. That's a lot more vulnerable than I want to get with someone right now. But none of that is specific to you. So yeah, it's okay to flirt outrageously, so long as you're willing to cut me a break for being a little rusty in reciprocating without sounding like an idiot. And yeah, it's okay to touch me. It's okay to hold my hand. It's fine.

[ Derek pauses then for a moment and then a little smile tugs up the corners of his mouth. ]

If this whole conversation right now is happening because it's weird that we're naked and I still feel comfortable having a casual conversation without necessarily jumping right to flirting, it's because I prefer being naked, ever since the evolution into full wolf transitioning abilities. I like it better. I just keep wearing clothes because that's what people do and most people just assume I'm a person. So...yeah...