Derek stayed quiet, his eyes looking down as he crossed his arms along his chest. He had seen what Isaac’s father did to him, from the bruises to the freezer that was marked with all the boy’s attempts to get out. He had heard the abuse, the harsh words and pity blames Mr. Lahey threw at his son. It was what had made Derek chase after Isaac, get to know him better and find the right chance to offer him the bite. He needed a way out, strength to face the wrath of a pathetic man— Derek had wanted to give it to him.
He rolled his eyes at the boy’s comments, knowing once again Isaac was trying to lighten the mood and avoid matters with sarcasm. Derek could have let him have it, answer his little jests with a few of his own and let the topic fall. But something in him wouldn’t allow him to do so, wanting for certain things to be said before it was too late.
"I offered you the bite for a reason, Isaac." Derek paused, his gaze meeting the other’s. "I knew how things were in your house." It was a confession he wasn’t sure how Isaac would take, though he guessed there had always been some signs that he indeed was aware of the details of Isaac’s abuse. "You were more than capable to get out of it— you just needed the means." And the ‘means’ didn’t exactly mean to be turned. Derek thought so at the time, but he now knew Isaac had the strength all along— he had just needed to see that for himself.