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Chapter Text

Derek had been wandering through the dense woods over the past few days ever since they had uncovered that Peter was the alpha terrorizing the town and the one who bit Scott. In his eyes, Scott was just an oblivious high schooler whose girlfriend's dad and aunt had been trying to hunt them.

He sighed making his way through the dark woods trying to find any sign that his uncle had been here while thinking about Scott's pesky teenage friend who seemed to tag along with him at every moment like they were a part of a buy one get one free deal. 

Derek didn't understand why Stiles got on his nerves so much or tried to start senseless arguments with him all the time. What he couldn't figure out was how Stiles seemed to know who he was as soon as they met and every interaction they had since then was them just arguing or bickering about not trusting one another.

"By the way, he's starting to smell," Stiles complained over the phone to Scott while Derek glared at him.

"Like what?" Scott asked. 

"Like Death," Stiles said, enunciating death.

"You're not gonna believe where he's telling me to take you," Stiles sighed, handing the phone to Derek.

After Scott told him to head over to Deaton's office, Derek handed the phone to Stiles, his breath a little heavier as the wolfsbane entered his system slowly.

"Okay, we're gonna go there and you're not gonna complain about anything," Stiles said, starting the jeep.

"As long as you keep your mouth shut, I'll be fine," Derek groaned. 

Derek growled as he noticed blood stains on the grass and stones nearby, his claws out as he moved carefully through the woods, his eyes flashing blue.

"I know you're here Peter," Derek growled. "Come out of wherever you're hiding. I just want to talk."

He followed the blood stains to what seemed like a tiny cave. "Peter. Come out here."

"Come out here and face me you coward!" Derek growled.

He heard the rustling of leaves behind him as he turned around only to be hit across his jaw making him lose his balance and fall on his back.

Derek growled as he turned to see Peter hovering over him. "Hello my dear nephew," he said smirking.

"How can I help you?" Peter asked looking down at him.

"What the hell do you think you’re doing? Going around terrorizing everyone in the city. Killing my sister?! Your niece !" Derek asked scathingly, standing up to face him

"I am doing what needs to be done," Peter said. "The sooner you understand that, the better. " 

"Understand what?!" Derek growled. "Turning teenagers into werewolves?! Terrorizing his friends?"

"Now tell me why that's any of your concern," Peter said, walking up to him. 

"Because they are freaking teenagers!" Derek yelled. "What if Scott's body had rejected the bite?"

"So?" Peter asked, furrowing his eyebrows. "I'd try his little friend next, he seems smarter, what’s his name? Stills? Skiles?"

"His name is Stiles," Derek quipped, "and you wouldn't dare. You're okay having blood on your hands?! To have the blood of another teenager on your hands? "

"Another?" Peter asked, raising his eyebrows. "Oh Derek, don't tell me you still blame me for Paige."

"Paige's blood is on your hands, Derek" Peter replied, walking closer to Derek. "YOU killed her. Not me"

"I didn't kill her. You put ideas in my head and I was naive, " Derek growled. "Naive enough to think I could trust you."

"Naive? You were stupid and in love. You made the choice to do that to her," Peter called out.

Derek growled as he grabbed Peter by his shirt, using it for leverage to throw him away into a tree. 

Peter got up and cracked his neck,  touching his lip to see blood. "That was not nice," he said, glaring at Derek before his eyes flared to match the blood on his lip and lunging forward.

Peter tackled Derek to the ground and started punching him before grabbing his collar and pulling him closer.

"Let me give you a little tip,"Peter growled in his face, "Stay. Out. Of. My. Way"

Peter let go of him as Derek fell back, too weak to fight back. "Oh and Derek, next time you try that, I'm gonna attack one of those pesky humans you seem to care so much about. Maybe Stiles."

Derek groaned as he sat up, watching Peter clean his hands with a kerchief. "Now, the first time I saw your friend Stiles, it reminded me of a certain someone from years ago," He said raising his eyebrows. "The sarcasm, the bickering and banter, now where have I seen that before?" he questioned, putting his hand on his chin and rubbing it.

"Oh, that's right, Paige," Peter replied, looking at Derek who was coughing and holding onto his stomach, his injuries healing slowly. 

"What?" Derek asked, standing up slowly.

"Oh don't tell me you didn't notice the similarities," Peter replied. "The witty remarks, sarcasm, and let's be honest,they do look similar. If I do say so myself, Stiles is also quite smart, just like your little Paige," Peter said, tilting his head to look at Derek, who looked like he had been struck with a sudden epiphany.

"My advice? Stay away from the humans and let me do what I need to. You don't want the blood of another teenager on your hands, do you?" Peter quipped, walking closer.

"You asshole," Derek replied before headbutting him, making Peter lose his balance .

"I told you not to get in my way Derek" Peter growled as he extended his claws with a flick of his wrist, using them to claw his nephew before throwing him up against a tree as Derek's vision went dark.

"Derek? Derek, come on, wake up," a familiar voice echoed, sounding like they were far away.

"He's not waking up," the voice echoed, a hint of panic to his voice. "I think he's dying, I think he's dead."

"Please don't kill me for this," Stiles voice sounded distant as Derek felt some pain on his jaw jolting him awake as Stiles punched him. 

"I'm guessing the ability to use sarcasm is a good sign of health " Stiles quipped earning a glare from Derek.

Derek woke up to find someone standing above him, his eyes trying to adjust to the light. His vision became clearer as he saw a familiar sight in front of him.

"Derek?" The voice came again, "Derek, wake up."

"Huh?" The voice came "What? I can't hear you," the voice said as Derek finally sat up leaning against the tree for support.

"Stiles?" Derek asked confused.

"Yeah, what the hell are you doing here and why are your clothes torn?" Stiles asked, looking at Derek.

"What are you doing here? Did you forget that there is an alpha out to hunt you down?" Derek quipped as he stood up.

"I, uhm, heard something on my dad's radio so I wanted to check-" Stiles began, rubbing the back of his head nervously.

"To check out if it had any connection with the Alpha," Derek continued,  furrowing his eyebrows.

"Stiles, get out of here. It's not safe for you," Derek replied, dusting himself off. "And don't go wandering into the woods alone, stay out of it for now."

Stiles scoffed and turned around to go back to his jeep. "Wow that was a wonderful way to thank me. "

Derek rolled his eyes and glared at Stiles before saying "Go home Stiles," before turning around and walking away.

Derek walked back to his place in silence, his head constantly running back to what Peter had said. The more he thought about it the more sense it made.

Peter had been lurking around Beacon Hills trying to find someone to bite, and he had probably noticed Scott and Stiles or even the similarities between Stiles and Paige. Peter knew Derek would find them first, he knew Scott and Stiles would become a part of this supernatural world and it was all his way of manipulating Derek to be on his side. 

But why didn't he just bite Stiles instead?. Knowing Peter, he probably thought if things went south with Scott's body rejecting the bite, Stiles would stick around to find out what exactly happened with his best friend, in an attempt to avenge his death.

So one way or another, Stiles would be dragged into this. Peter wanted Stiles to be a part of this to make Derek miserable, he wanted Derek to look at Stiles and be haunted by the ghost of Paige, constantly reminding him of the worst mistake he had made. Taking the life of an innocent, taking the life of the first and only person he had fallen in love with.

Derek exhaled loudly, realising what a mess this whole situation was. He knew he had to keep Stiles at a distance to try and ensure Peter didn't try and use Stiles as a pawn in this little game that he was playing.

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"Could you try to trust the both of us for just a second?" Scott said, looking over at Derek.

"Yeah, the both of us, " Stiles replied, earning a glare to intimidate him, which worked as he sat back down saying "Or just him, I'll be back here."

"I'm gonna kill the both of you. What are you trying to do, attract the entire state to the school?" Derek snapped as Scott and Stiles walked over to Derek's car.

"Sorry, I didn't realise it would be that loud," Scott said.

"Yeah it was loud...and it was awesome, " Stiles sing-songed.

"Shut up" Derek quipped

"Don't be such a sourwolf," Stiles said, earning yet another glare from Derek.

"Don't call me that" Derek quipped 

Derek woke up and looked around to find himself in his room. He furrowed his eyebrows as he realised he had just had dream of what had happened with Stiles and Scott a few days back. This was the first time he had seen anyone besides his family in his dream.

He clenched his jaw before pushing away the sheets and heading to get ready for the day before heading out.

"Oh my god" Stiles said holding his hand on his chest noticing Derek entering his room through the window " What the hell do you think you're doing lurking around in my room?" 

"I was checking to see if you had gone wandering into the woods" Derek replied looking around avoiding eye contact before walking back to the window 

"What ?" Stiles asked confused "Wait How did you-"

"Stay out of the woods Stiles" Derek replied jumping out 

Stiles shut his window rolling his eyes as his mind wandered to the last time Derek was in his room.

"Uhm Stiles?" Derek said annoyed

"Yes?" Stiles asked

"This." Derek quipped holding the shirt "No. Fit"

"Then try something else on." Stiles replied

"Heyy that one looks pretty good huh?What do you think Danny" Stiles said looking between Danny and Derek as Derek stood there wearing Stiles's orange and blue shirt that was clearly too small for him

"It's..uh..it's not really his colour.."Danny said swallowing hard

Once Stiles said goodbye to Danny and started shutting the door, Derek once again crowded his space making Stiles flinch in surprise as he turned around.

"You do that one more time." Derek quipped walking closer his eyes wandering from Stiles eyes to his lips which were parted open in surprise

"And you'll pay for it " Derek replied reaching over as Stiles closed his eyes waiting to for a hit when Derek reached further away and opened the bedroom door  before walking away leaving Stiles alone.

Stiles peeked open his eyes to see the door half open and Derek nowhere in sight and rolled his eyes " Such a sourwolf"

"I heard that" Derek's voice came from downstairs 

Stiles rolled his eyes sighing before grabbing the keys to his jeep and imitating Derek.

"I heard that too now shut up and get down here, We have to go" Derek replied as Stiles heard the front door open.

Stiles smiled to himself before heading downstairs for dinner

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After Derek had slashed Peter's throat and become the alpha, the rest of Scott's friends headed back home trying to make sense of the crazy day they had just had.

Stiles walked up to his room and sat on his study table taking a deep breath and letting it go. He was doing a meditation technique his mom had taught him to help calm himself.

"Are you injured?" Derek's voice came as he climbed through Stiles's window to see Stiles sitting by his study table

"You have got to stop creeping up like that." Stiles replied rubbing his forehead and looking at Derek who just stood there with his hands in his pockets waiting for an answer

Stiles just stared back at Derek waiting for him to say something when "I'm not injured. God, do you not like talking?" 

"Only when necessary " Derek replied turning to leave 

Stiles pursed his lips wondering if he should tell Derek what Peter had offered biting his lips nervously and said "Peter offered me the bite" 

Derek stopped midway as he was leaving through the window and got back in turning to look at Stiles

"What?" Derek asked furrowing his eyebrows

"Peter offered me the bite because he said I had helped him..." Stiles replied sighing looking away as Derek walked closer

"And?" Derek asked standing opposite to Stiles towering over him as Stiles played with his fingers nervously

He looked up at Derek and said "I said no"

Derek furrowed his eyebrows confused "Why?"

Stiles turned his chair the other way before walking up to his cupboard and throwing his tie in there "Because I said I didn't want to be like him." 

Derek nodded in agreement and Stiles turned around walking up to Derek "No offense "

"None taken. " Derek replied as he started making his way out of the window

"It was the right decision Stiles" Derek said not turning around before jumping out as Stiles sighed and crashed on his bed thinking Derek is so weird.

Chapter Text

"What's your plan huh?" Stiles asks 

"To distract her " Derek replied like it was obvious

"Uh-huh? How?By punching her in the face?" Stiles asked sarcastically biting his lip

Derek scoffed "By talking to her"

"Ok alright, give me a sample" Stiles replied "What are you gonna open with?" 

Derek took a deep breath and just looked at Stiles with an intrigued expression.

"Dead silence , That should work beautifully." Stiles replied sarcastically "Any other ideas?"

"Thinking about punching you in the face" Derek joked raising his eyebrows as he looked back at him

Stiles gave out a surprised look as Derek opened the jeep door and walked towards the police station.

"I'm sorry I didn't expect someone like - " Derek said smiling at the police officer

"Someone like me?" She asked smiling back as Stiles rolled his eyes 

"I was gonna say someone so beautiful but I guess that's the same thing" Derek smiled making Stiles roll his eyes in response before making his way into the backrooms of the police station

While Stiles struggled to get out of the grasp of the officer who he had found lurking around with an injection in his hand, he pulled the fire alarm releasing the prisoners.

Stiles watched as Isaac attacked the cops and looked up to find Isaac looking at Stiles like he was going to attack him, Just then Derek came up and looked between the two of them

Just as Isaac was about to lunge forward Derek flashed his eyes red and growled at Isaac who immediately whimpered and backed himself up against the wall in a fetal position.

"How-How'd you do that?" Stiles hesitated 

Derek turned back a small smirk on his face "Cause I'm the alpha" He replied making Stiles raise his eyebrows and exhale in response

Stiles stood up dusting himself off as Derek helped Isaac up

"You two should get out of here before my dad shows up" Stiles said 

"And what about you?" Derek asked 

"I'll hold them off, tell my dad something, He can't find you here, You're a person of interest" Stiles said leaning against the table crossing his hands across his chest

"An innocent person of interest" Derek replied raising his eyebrows 

"We are not doing this again, Take him and leave, they'll be here anytime" Stiles replied 

Derek nodded as he walked away with Isaac leaving Stiles to clean up this mess and make up some excuse with his dad.

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"Something's not right.. it's almost like.." Derek said pursing his lips

Stiles sighed before looking up at Derek and saying "An abomination"

Derek looked surprised by what he heard looking at Stiles before nodding. 

Derek dropped Erica before heading out for a run to clear his head. How did Stiles know exactly what Derek was thinking and how did he realise that thing that attacked them was some kind of an abomination?

Derek had tried his best to limit his interactions with Stiles because to him any time he saw Stiles, all he saw now thanks to Peter was his worst mistake, he's reminded of the fact that he killed someone he loved . Despite everything, Stiles was different, a lot different from Paige.  

Stiles was very similar to Paige in a lot of ways, their sarcasm, the way they both were not afraid to call him out and Derek's relationship with Paige had started with them bickering but they were also very different in terms of their wit and personalities.

While Paige was mostly quiet and kept to herself, Stiles was a social butterfly who got along with everyone and didn't care about making himself look like a fool in front of others.

Derek jogged until he reached the public library which was open 24/7 to find Stiles's jeep in the lot. He furrowed his eyebrows confused and walked in and searched for Stiles to find him sitting in the history and mythology section.

Stile was sitting there with a book in his lap and other open books all around him when Derek cleared his throat crossing his arms across his chest as Stiles snapped his head up.

"What are you doing here?" Stiles asked turning his attention back to the book

"I should be the one asking you that" Derek said walking closer "Does your dad know you're here?"

"He's working. I'm trying to find some information on what attacked us today" Stiles said turning the page 

"We'll eventually figure it out" Derek replied "You should go home, it's not safe"

"I know it's not safe, but I need to do something to help." Stiles replied " i felt useless today, I need to find out how to stop it"

Derek sighed "You weren't entirely useless, you held me up in the pool for 2 hours. " 

Stiles sighed "Yeah yet we both don't trust each other yet, what's your point?"

"That's not your problem. I don't trust people and don't give people a reason to trust me" Derek said looking away

"You did save my life, I think I'll give you the benefit of the doubt" Stiles replied looking up at Derek who exhaled before looking away

"I guess so" Derek replied 

Stiles continued flipping through the pages trying to find something as Derek just stood there watching him.

"Stop staring " Stiles murmured continuing to flip through the pages

Derek rolled his eyes before saying "You're not going to find anything there Stiles"

Stiles stopped flipping through the pages before looking up at him and saying " How are you so sure?"

"Because I already searched in every book I know" Derek replied "It's getting late Stiles, Come on"

Stiles sighed "I need to find something, Help in some way"

"And you will, but now is not the time" Derek replied

Stiles looked away before saying "Don't tell my dad?"

Derek nodded before saying "Yeah, You should get home, Come on"

"But I need to -" Stiles replied

"You can do it during the day, or in the evening once you are back from school" Derek replied "It's too dangerous for you to be alone here"

"I'm not alone, Martha is here" Stiles replied shutting his book

"Yes because an 80 year old woman who's knitting by the front desk will protect you in case things go south " Derek replied picking up some books off of the floor and placing them on a table nearby while Stiles placed the rest back on the shelf

"Funny" Stiles said rolling his eyes as they walked out of the library.

"Do you want me to drop you?" Stiles asked Derek

"No ,I jogged here, I'll go back the same." Derek replied as he walked towards the woods "Be careful while driving "

"Stiles started his jeep and watched as Derek disappeared into the woods. "He's so weird " Stiles murmured

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"I don't know Derek I think you two make a pretty good pair"

The voice echoed in his head. He was back home alone now and for some reason that bothered him. Why did he say that? Did he not know that Stiles was still a minor?

It clicked all of a sudden, why this bothered him so much. Kate was older and had manipulated him when he was underage. Made him believe every deceit that escaped her lips, the same lips with which she had kissed Derek. 

He felt disgusted just thinking about it. Stiles and Scott were still reckless teenagers in Derek's eyes, and he was just there to help them figure out right from wrong in this supernatural world.

He had just turned 3 teenagers into werewolves for their protection and he had to be careful with all of them to ensure they didn't make any stupid decisions.

With time Derek decided to trust Scott and believed the same was true for him , until Scott tricked him into biting Gerard.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Derek asked confused still on the floor

"Because you may be an alpha but you're not mine" Scott said making Derek feel a little dejected

As they all started to head back Derek changed to his human form walking away quietly when "Derek!" Stiles voice came from behind him

Derek turned around to see Stiles running up to him "Hey, Are you doing okay?"

"Why?" Derek asked a stoic expression on his face

"Because of what Scott did" Stiles said furrowing his eyebrows " You must have been a little blindsided, I told him to let you in on the plan, but he felt like he knew better, He...uhm does that sometimes"

Derek nodded " He's allowed to do what he wants. He's not a part of my pack"

"Yeah yeah I know...I just thought... he would trust you more" Stiles said shrugging "You did help him in the beginning" 

"I guess not" Derek replied looking away

"Just give him some time..He's.. uhm, He's trying to figure this whole hunters vs wolves situation" Stiles replied

"I know Stiles, He's just a teenager " Derek said giving the smallest smile ever "He'll figure it out"

"Did I just see Derek Hale smile?" Stiles said grinning

Derek rolled his eyes his face going back to the same stoic expression as he crossed his arms across his chest "No. You didn't, go join your pack"

"I saw you smile a bit, no point denying it. Later sourwolf" Stiles said heading back to join Scott 

Derek shook his head and rolled his eyes before heading out.

Derek drove home in silence thinking about what had just happened, Stiles seemed to understand how Derek felt without him having to even communicate it or show it, which Derek appreciated, he understood why Scott did what he did but also sympathised with Derek feeling betrayed. 

All this while Derek had thought Scott was the one who would trust him and understand why Derek was trying to protect him but after their conversation, Derek realised it was Stiles who seemed to understand his decisions and understand him to an extent, it made Derek feel a sense of warmth in his chest because it had been a long time since someone looked at him and didn't see him as the guy who lost his entire family in a fire.

Unbeknownst to him, Derek was starting to look at Stiles as someone he could trust rather than the ghost of Paige, one of his biggest regrets, that had come back to haunt him as he had initially assumed.

Chapter Text

Stiles watched as Scott got his tattoo fainting as the needle pricked the skin.

He woke up to the tattoo artist handing him an ice pack feeling a little embarrassed at what had just happened

Just as they were headed home Scott's tattoo started hurting and burning as it healed disappearing into his chest.

"Now what?" Scott asked

"You could ask Derek, He has a tattoo on his back" Stiles shrugged

Scott nodded as they planned to head over to Derek's place the next day.

"Hey Derek" Scott said as Derek opened the door

"Yo Derek" Stiles called out as they entered patting his shoulder "Painted your door cause you wanted a pop of colour?" 

"Stiles, What are you doing here?" Derek asked shutting the door

"I'm here for moral and emotional support" Stiles said smiling

"I called him" Scott replied 

"You got a tattoo yesterday?" Derek asked as Scott shrugged off his flannel

"Yeah, but it healed" Scott said sitting down on the chair.

Derek sat opposite to Scott as Scott showed him his arm , Derek's eyes flashed red as he looked for the tattoo.

"Yeah, I see it" Derek replied his eyes turning back to his usual hazel green."Two bands right?"

"What does it mean?" Derek asked 

Scott hesitated before saying "I don't know, it's just something I traced with my fingers"

"Why is this so important to you?" Derek asked as Stiles stood there listening intently

"Do you know what the word tattoo means?" Scott asked

"To mark something" Stiles replied smirking and winking as Derek turned to look at him while Derek raised his eyebrows before turning to look at Scott.

"That's in Tahitian" Scott replied "In Samoan, it means Open wound. I knew I wanted to get a tattoo when I turned 18. I always wanted one."

Scott explained how he saw it as a reward for not calling or texting Allison all summer as Derek nodded in agreement understanding the pain of losing your first love.

"The pain's gonna be worse than anything you've ever felt" Derek said picking up a blowtorch as Stiles nodded pursing his lips

"Ah, That's great" he said sarcastically

"Do it." Scott replied as Derek nodded turning on the blowtorch

"Oh, Wow" Stiles said surprised "That's a lot for me"

"I'm gonna take that as my cue , I'm just gonna wait outside " Stiles said walking away when Derek reached behind with his free hand stopping Stiles with a hand on his chest earning a silent Ah! from Stiles.

"Nope." Derek said pushing him back " You can help hold him down"

Stiles nearly tripped before walking behind Scott shooting a dirty look at Derek who just looked at him like he was enjoying this.

Scott nodded and Derek got to work as Stiles tried his best to hold him down while Scott's eyes flashed yellow and he growled in pain. By the time Derek was done Scott passed out in pain. Stiles positioned his chair in a way where his head was resting on a table behind him.

"Wow, Okay" Stiles said walking away as Derek picked up the blowtorch and kept it aside 

"I passed out yesterday cause of that needle but I stayed awake through this, I call that a win" Stiles replied raising his eyebrows 

"Good for you" Derek replied "It's about time you start getting used to it, You're a part of the supernatural world now"

"I guess, but if that taught me anything, It is to never be a werewolf and never get a tattoo" Stiles quipped as Derek came to stand by his side

"Whatever floats your boat" Derek replied 

"When's he gonna be up?" Stiles asked 

"Anytime now, Shouldn't take too long" Derek replied

"Wait, How did you get your tattoo?" Stiles asked curious

"Laura" Derek replied "My older sister"

"Oh. Did you pass out?" Stiles asked

"I did yes, it's bigger than Scott's so it took longer" Derek replied crossing his arms across his chest.

They were interrupted by Scott waking up panting and noticing the two bands on his hand before looking in front of him to see Stiles and Derek standing there with Stiles's mouth hanging open in surprise.

As they walked to the entrance Scott noticed that Derek had painted his door red. Stepping back a little surprised

Although Derek urged him not to , Scott put his claws out and started scratching at the door to see a symbol

Stiles looked at Derek who seemed concerned as Scott scratched at the door.

Stiles just looked at Derek in disbelief as he told them that there was a pack of Alpha werewolves that had entered town.

"Peter , Isaac and I have been looking for them for the past four months" Derek said after informing them that they were the ones that had Erica and Boyd.

Stiles kept shooting concerned looks to Derek as he and Scott discussed the Alpha pack when 

"Where is she?" Isaac interrupted "Where is the girl?"

Derek looked back at Stiles who was looking ahead at Isaac confused 

"What girl?" Derek asked as Stiles looked over at him

Isaac explained that there was a girl who came in a bike and saved her when Stiles got a call from Lydia saying he and Allison found something. He informed Scott and Derek of the same before they decided to meet at school the next day.

The next day when they all reached the lab where they were supposed to meet, Derek had a little back and forth with Lydia and Allison about not trusting them when Stiles decided to interrupt.

"Okay alright now come on, No one died. There may have been a little maiming okay, a little mangling but no death. That's what I call an important distinction" Stiles said as Derek watched him his arms crossed across his chest.

Derek rolled his eyes before telling Scott he didn't want their help as he shut the door behind him

"Give me a minute" Stiles told Scott before following Derek

"Hey hey" Stiles said as he saw Derek walking down the stairs, Derek stopped turning around slowly 

"What's with the dramatic turn?" Stiles said walking two stairs down closer to Derek.

Derek rolled his eyes and exhaled looking back at Stiles "How can I help you Stiles?"

"So formal" Stiles joked making Derek raise his eyebrows in response "Ok, I know you don't trust Lydia and Allison right now but that mark on their hand, it has to mean something. "

"We don't know what it means do we?" Derek asked 

"Not yet, but give us some time. We'll figure it out" Stiles said 

"We don't have time Stiles, each day the pack gets closer to killing someone" Derek said "First it was Boyd and Erica, next it could be you. Allison and Lydia saying they can help because of some mark on their hand doesn't help us get closer. Right now we have to focus on finding them"

"I get that, I do" Stiles said raising his eyebrows "But just give them some time, I know you want to find Erica and Boyd, I do too but we gotta look into any clue we get"

Derek sighed "You're right. If you find anything drop me a text, Until then I'm not gonna hear what they say" 

"Did you just say I was right?" Stiles grinned as Derek turned to walk away

"Goodbye Stiles" Derek said shutting the door behind him

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"Took you both long enough" Derek said holding the door open as Stiles and Scott entered with blueprints

"We have the blueprints of the bank" Scott said 

"And how is that going to help?" Derek asked walking with them to the table

"I looked up the plans for when the robbers hit the bank, I'll explain it to you." Stiles replied

Stiles spread out the blueprint onto the table explaining how the robbery took place in detail ending it by suggesting that they use a diamond drill bit.

"Forget the drill" Derek interrupted

Stiles exhaled "I'm sorry?" 

"If I go in first how much space do I have?" Derek asked

Stiles titled his head to Scott gesturing is he serious right now before turning to face Derek.

"What do you...what do you think you're gonna do Derek?You're gonna punch through the wall?" Stiles asked as Derek turned to face him his arms crossed across his chest

Derek smiled looking at Stiles and said "Yes Stiles I'm gonna punch through the wall" 

"Okay big guy let's see it, let's see that fist, big old fist make it yeah. Come on" Stiles said gesturing to Derek who had the same stoic expression on his face before reluctantly holding up his fist.

"Get it out there, Don't be shy" Stiles teased "Big bad wolf yeah, Look at that " he said holding Derek's wrist that was up and putting his hand in front of it.

"Okay, You see this " Stiles stated letting go of his hand around Derek's wrist "That's maybe 3 inches of room to gather enough force to punch through-"

Stiles was cut off by Derek punching his extended hand making him lose his balance holding his hand in pain as he yelled in pain "Ah Ah-" His voice squeaked as he walked away "He could do it" Stiles stated still holding his hand in pain as Derek looked at him with the smallest smirk.

"I'll get through the wall, Who's following me down?" Derek asked looking at Peter

Peter sat there watching the whole drama unfold in front of him before telling Derek he wasn't helping him and that it was not worth taking the risk.

Derek sighed and turned towards Scott and Stiles "What about you?" Derek asked

"I mean if you want me to come-" Stiles said shrugging when

"Not you" Derek said closing his eyes interrupting Stiles

"Scott" Stiles nodded pointing at Scott

After Scott and Derek discussed their plan with Stiles occasionally providing his input, They got ready to head out. 

Scott headed out as Derek picked up an ice pack from his fridge and threw it at Stiles who flinched at the sudden contact of cold ice hitting his chest.

"Use it" Derek said looking at Stiles before heading out "For your hand."

"Oh" Stiles said surprised "Uhm thanks" he said putting it on his hand as Derek walked out leaving him alone with Peter

Stiles turned around to find Peter sitting by the spiral staircase looking at him with an evil smirk on his face.

"What?" Stiles asked pulling up a chair but sitting far enough to bolt because he still didn't trust Peter.

"What?" Peter shrugged trying to look innocent 

"Don't do that, What's that look on your face?" Stiles said rolling his eyes

"Nothing, Just observing" Peter replied rubbing his hands together

"Right, What exactly were you observing?" Stiles said furrowing his eyebrows placing the ice pack down next to him

"Derek seems a lot less hostile around you now" Peter said 

"Oh" Stiles said " Yeah if you call punching my hand to show off his strength as him being less hostile, sure"

"Come on Stiles, Don't pretend like you didn't notice it" Peter replied "He doesn't threaten to kill you anymore, Does he?"

Stiles furrowed his eyebrows and narrowed his eyes " How did you know that?"

Peter snickered "I know everything Stiles, I also know that you are probably the only human he's starting to trust."

Stiles rolled his eyes "My god, You just never change"

"Now, now no need to get touchy" Peter said putting his hands up in defense "I'm not lying, after you helped him with the Kanima and now with trying to get Boyd back, He isn't as distrustful of you as he was before"

Stiles stayed quiet as Peter stood up and walked up to him making Stiles move back instinctively.

"Derek was not always this distrustful Stiles, Maybe some day... I'll tell you all about it" Peter smirked as Stiles moved away confused when Peter turned to walk up his staircase.

"You're so weird" Stiles muttered 

"I heard that" Peter's voice came from above him as Stiles grabbed his things to leave

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Stiles and Cora rushed in to find Derek kneeling in the middle of the loft with Boyd lying unconscious in front of him surrounded by water. Cora pushed to move past him as she ran to Boyd holding him up and crying. Stiles walked towards Derek noticing him shaking and with tears in his eyes. 

He was wondering if he should say something when he slowly reached his hand out hesitating at first before gently placing it on Derek's right shoulder before tightening his grip in an attempt to comfort Derek or tell him It's okay.

Stiles didn't let go of his hand on Derek's shoulder still feeling Derek shake a little. After what seemed like half an hour, Derek stood up which made Stiles let go . 

Cora and Scott had taken Boyd's body to help clean it up and bury him. Derek took a deep breath before walking up to go see Boyd. By now Isaac had taken Ms.Blake home and everyone had mostly left but the loft was still filled with water. So Stiles went to find some buckets and a mop to help clean up the mess because, fairly that was the least he could do to help Cora and Derek.

Stiles cleaned up as much of the water as he could before placing the mops back in place when Derek came back with Scott.

"Are you sure you're gonna be alright?" Scott asked Derek placing his hand on his shoulder 

"Yeah I'll be fine" Derek said as Scott walked up to the front door "You coming Stiles?"

Derek looked around to find the place mostly water free and clean and notice Stiles seemed a little tired.

"Did you clean up the water?" Derek asked looking at Stiles with an expression Stiles couldn't read

"Yeah I did, I know I shouldn't have but -" Stiles started worried he had done something wrong when Derek interrupted

"Thank you" Derek said his eyes still holding the same hurt expression from before

"Oh, uhm you're welcome" Stiles replied looking over at Scott. He decided to give the Hale siblings some space as he walked over to Scott.

Scott walked out to get the car as Stiles started shutting off the loft door when he said "Derek"

Derek turned to face Stiles "It's not your fault" He said as he shut the door not waiting for Derek to react because he knew how Derek was around these subjects.

Derek stood there, the words Stiles had just spoken hitting him like a brick. The only person who had told him that was his mom when Paige had died in his arms and since then this was the first time he had heard it. 

He helped Cora with giving Boyd the goodbye he deserved before he told her he needed some time away. Cora nodded saying she understood as Derek grabbed a few things and left.

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"Waiting, Hiding, That's what we are taught to do when the hunters find us" Cora said looking out at the rain "Hide and heal"

"Okay so is 2 days standard then?" Stiles asked "Or are we thinking Derek's on some extended getaway?"

Cora turned around furrowing her eyebrows "Why do you care?"

Stiles pinched his eyebrows together and said "Why do I care? Let's see" Stiles stated everything that happened in the past few days before stopping as Peter entered the room.

"What was he like" Stiles asked 

"A lot like Scott" Peter said continuing as he described young Derek to Stiles and Cora

"If you want to know what changed Derek, you need to know what changed the colour of his eyes" Peter said looking up at them

Cora and Stiles listened intently to the story Peter was narrating, interrupting ever so often to ask questions and clear up some confusion

"And what about Derek?" Cora asked as Peter narrated how Derek held her in his arms as she died struggling and fighting till the last second, until he did what he had to.. in order to reduce her pain. 

"Taking an innocent life takes something from you as well, a bit of your soul, it darkens, dimming the once brilliant, golden yellow to a cold steel blue.Like mine" Peter said flashing his blue eyes as he finished his story as Stiles and Cora sat quietly not knowing what to say.

"Well I should head out" Peter said breaking the silence "Duty calls"

Stiles sat next to Cora quiet but his head filled with thoughts. It made no sense to him, Peter must have lies. Why would Derek agree to turn Paige into a wolf , which ended up killing her, but risk doing the same with Erica, Boyd and Isaac? 

"What?" Cora asked snapping Stiles out of his thoughts as his rubbed his palms 

"What's this look on your face?" Cora asked him

"What look?" Stiles asked

"The kinda look that make me want to punch you" Cora said annoyed

"Oh my god you are so Derek's sister" Stiles said looking away taking a pause before saying "I just don't believe him"

"All right , In Ms.Blake's class, we're reading heart of darkness and it's in first person right? narrated by Marlow. The thing is that he's an ureliable narrator, you know the details of it have changed , you know just because of his perspective." Stiles said turning to face Cora

"Well then we heard the story from Peter's perspective" Cora stated

"Right and I don't think we got the whole story" Stiles replied

"So what are you just gonna ask Derek about the girl he fell in love with and then killed?" Cora asked

"If I have to," Stiles said looking down and swallowing hard before looking back at Cora "Yeah"

"What was he like..when you knew him?" Stiles asked 

Cora sighed "He was happy. He didn't look like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He was just another teenager... Like you and Scott are right now, but he lost the girl he loved and then he would just be quiet..keep to himself all the time."

Stiles sighed wondering if Derek would ever go back to the way he was but soon realised it was impossible. He knew death could change a person, indefinitely. He saw it with his dad once he lost his mom. He knew how differently everyone coped with loss, but it seemed unfair that Derek had to face all this when he was just a teenager.

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Stiles rode in the ambulance with Cora as he tried to dial Derek's number.

"Come on, Come on. Pick up" Stiles muttered as the phone rang 

On the last ring, "Yes Stiles?" Derek asked

"Derek!" Stiles said breathing hard "It's Cora, Come to the hospital, we're taking her in an ambulance now"

"What?" Derek said sounding worried "I'm on my way" 

Stiles stayed by Cora's side until she was wheeled into her room where they told him he wasn't allowed despite him trying to convince them that he was the Sheriff''s son. 

Stiles stood outside the room watching through the small glass window it had, his heart beating out of his chest out of worry when suddenly there was a hand on his left shoulder .

Stiles turned to see a worried looking Derek standing there as he removed his hand "How is she?"

"She's mostly fine, we were at my place trying to explain the supernatural world to my dad when she fainted out of the blue"Stiles said 

Derek nodded as he stood there watching her through the small glass window trying to stay strong in front of Stiles.

Stiles sighed looking at her and said "She's gonna be fine Derek."

Derek's gaze didn't hover from his sister when he said "She's my only family."

"You won't lose her"Stiles saying exactly what was going on in Derek's head," I'm sure this is just the flu or something " Stiles said when his phone rang interrupting them as he muttered apologies at the hospital staff giving him dirty looks.

"Scott, hey tell me you found something" Stiles said over the phone walking away from Derek 

"It's philosophers , as in teachers." Scott said. He explained to him how all the teachers from school were present in their auditorium for the memorial.

"You need to get here fast Stiles" Scott said ending the call 

"No but Derek-" Stiles started and looked at his phone as the call ended exhaling and shaking his head before heading back to try and find Derek.

He saw Derek sitting inside the room his hands holding Cora's his eyes focused on Cora filled with worry. Stiles had seen Derek with the same expression on his face a few days back, from when they lost Boyd.

Stiles decided to knock twice before entering the room slowly and entering only when he heard Derek say come in.

"How is she holding up?" Stiles asked putting his hands in his pockets

"The doctors said she's really weak and they've put her on an IV drip, but can't tell for sure" Derek sighed 

"Oh.." Stiles said "She'll be awake before you know it Derek, just stay by her side" 

Derek remained silent looking at Cora as Stiles sighed before saying "I uhm.. I have to go, we know the Darach's next target, it's philosophers and all our teachers are in school right now"

"Okay" Derek said finally looking up at Stiles " Call me if you need my help"

"Yeah okay" Stiles nodded heading out "I'll drop you a text"

Few hours later, Derek got a text from Stiles telling him to come to the loft saying it was an emergency.

Derek stood there looking at Jennifer as she tried to defend herself.

"Where's my dad" Stiles's asked his voce shaking as his eyes welled up with tears.

"How should I know?" Jennifer asked acting innocent

"Derek, Tell me you don't believe this" Jennifer said looking at Derek with a sympathetic look

Derek looked at her and back at Stiles who tilted his head a little in response swallowing hard as Derek focused his gaze back to Jennifer "Do you know what happened to Stiles's father?" He asked

"No" She replied 

"Aske her why she almost killed Lydia" Scott said 

"Lydia Martin?" Jennifer asked "I don't know anything about that"

"What do you know?" Derek asked her 

"I know that these boys for whatever misguided reason are filling your head with an absurd story" Jennifer replied

"And one they can't prove by the way" She said turning to look at them.

Once Scott and Stiles proved to Derek that Jennifer wasn't as innocent as he seemed, Stiles couldn't shake this fear that was buried deep inside that he would lose another parent.

Stiles had no time to think as they tried their best to fight off the alpha twins first and then Jennifer went missing resulting in Stiles blowing up in Derek's face, which surprisingly Derek let, instead of yelling or threatening him

"Be quiet me ? Are you telling me what to do now huh? "Stiles napped walking up to Derek "When your psychotic mass murdering girlfriend, the second one you've dated by the has got my dad, somewhere tied up waiting to be ritually sacrificed ?"

Minutes later when Stiles asked Derek if a defibrillator would work, Derek calmly told him to put it down when he said he didn't know how to use it.

Even in the heat of the moment, Stiles was taken aback by how Derek didn't give him shit for yelling at him given that his sisters life was also on the line.

As they ran to the ambulance, Stiles and Derek helped Cora into the van as Jennifer walked around the ambulance.

"Derek, Over here " Jennifer called out making both Stiles and Derek turn their fight or flight mode now on high alert.

Stiles had his hand on Derek's arm as he helped Cora into the ambulance but didn't move it from there until they looked at each other sharing a look before Derek slowly walked over to Jennifer with Stiles's hand slowly slipping from his arm, like an anchor that was grounding him until now.

Stiles heard a roar and shut the ambulance doors as he saw Jennifer and Derek running back into the hospital as Derek looked over at Stiles one last time.

Stiles tried to calm himself down while waiting in the ambulance panicking a little when he realized Cora wasn't breathing.

He performed CPR on her reviving her breathing a sigh of relief and knowing he would brag about this to her.

Stiles sniffled as he spoke to Cora about everything that he was thinking when he was again interrupted by another growl and noticed the alpha twins walking past him in wolf form.

Before he knew it Scott and Peter were back, Scott explained the plan to him before heading back into the hospital. He waited as Isaac showed up and they helped Cora into the car when he noticed something on the paper in the ambulance it read 'Parent or guardian'. It was like a sudden click in hie head as he ran back into the hospital with Isaac calling out for him.

Stiles rushed into the hospital and saw Scott standing by the lift running behind him calling out for him when he came to a stop by the lift to find Derek unconscious. He followed Scott to the rooftop and stood helplessly as Scott walked away with Deucalion.

Stiles bit his lip trying to hold back tears before rushing back into the hospital to check on Derek kneeling in front of him and grabbing his shirt in one hand trying to shake him awake while calling out his name in fear.

"Derek!" Stiles called out resorting to slapping him 

"Derek come on!" Stiles yelled his voice laced with fear, adrenaline coursing through his veins at everything that just happened in the last few hours.

Stiles tried shaking him again lifting his hand up and balling it into a fist ready to punch when a hand reached out to stop him.

He was breathing hard as he looked down to see Derek awake his hand gripping Stiles's tightly as he breathed a sigh of relief.

Derek looked around trying to make sense of what was happening looking back at Stiles "Where is she?" he asked

"Jennifer?" Stiles asked "Gone. With Scott's mom"

"She took her?" Derek asked

"Yeah and if that isn't enough of a kick to the balls, Scott left with Deucalion okay?So we gotta get you of here" He said looking out of the lift to see if any of the Alpha pack members showed up before continuing "The police are coming right now and we gotta get you the hell out of here" Stiles said out of breath as Derek reached out his hand , Stiles grabbed it pulling him up, one hand on his shoulder to steady him let it linger for a little longer than usual.

"Where's Cora?" Derek asked concerned looking at Stiles

"Isaac and Peter got her out okay, we gotta go come on" Stiles said patting his shoulder as they stood up and ran out of the hospital

"What happened, Why did Scott go with Deucalion?" Derek asked concerned as they walked out

"I realized really late while we were moving Cora into the car , that Jennifer wasn't after philosophers, it was guardians." Stiles said "I saw on the ambulance sheet that it said parent or guardian, it hit me then, why Deucalion let Scott's mom go and why Jennifer decided to stay with you."

"She did all this so that she could trick me" Derek said annoyed 

Stiles looked over at Derek a look on concern on his face "Derek that's not your fault, Jennifer, she's ..she does this, she deceives people with her spell, it's her power as a Darach. "

Derek stayed silent looking outside before saying "We'll find your dad, He's gonna be fine"

Stiles looked over at Derek confused about how exactly Derek figured it out. "How did you..how did you know?" Stiles asked confused

Derek sighed looking at Stiles before saying "Your heart has been hammering in your chest since you and Scott arrived at my loft" 

"I really hope you're right" Stiles sighed "I can't lose another parent "

Derek took a deep breath in before saying " You're not Stiles , We'll find them" Just then they were interrupted by the police sirens.

"Thanks but you gotta get out of here" Stiles said "I'll hold off the cops and buy you some time " 

"You sure?" Derek asked raising his eyebrows 

"Yeah yeah, get out of here" Stiles said running back inside

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Stiles crashed on his bed in the dark closing his eyes as he let the enormity of the day crash on him. He had just had a panic attack because Allison's dad got taken and he spoke to Scott and Deucalion about how to find the Nematon and he was set to go to the clinic to get into an ice bath but came to grab his dad's badge.

Stiles heard a creak and got up immediately his senses on high alert to find Derek entering through the window.

"Why do you always do that?" Stiles sighed falling back onto the bed 

"Because I can" Derek said "I heard they took Argent"

"Yeah, my dad could be sacrificed along with Melissa and Chris any time now" Stiles said 

"She's not going to do it soon." Derek said leaning against the table opposite to him "She's waiting for the lunar eclipse tomorrow"

"How do you know" Stiles said sitting up 

Derek sighed "Because she told me, and that's when all of us , wolves are powerless. At our weakest"

"How's Cora doing?" Stiles asked 

"She's not great, but I have a plan" Derek replied

"What plan?" Stiles asked

"That's not your concern right now, It'll be done tonight" Derek said

"You're being weirdly vague about this" Stiles said narrowing his eyes

"It's best if you don't know" Derek said crossing his arms across his chest 

Just as Stiles was about to reply with a witty remark, he got a call from Scott who told him he needs to be there soon.

Stiles ended the call and looked over at Derek and said " Sorry to cut this short but I- "

"Go, Your dad's gonna be fine. Text me updates" Derek said climbing out of the window

"You know you could just exit through the front door, my dad's not here" Stiles said standing up and walking to the window

"I prefer the window " Derek said shrugging before giving a sympathetic look to Stiles before jumping out and disappearing into the woods as Stiles locked his window and headed out.

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After Scott and Derek came to the Nematon to help, Derek put his hand out for Stiles who was the last one left.

Derek pulled him up gripping one hand on his shoulder to steady him. Stiles crashed on the ground next to him muttering Thank you.

"What happened to you head?" Derek asked 

"I got into a minor accident" Stiles replied dusting himself off as they all started to head out of the woods.

"Minor?" Derek asked 

"Yes, I'm fine. Probably have a concussion but I'm fine everything worked out. How's Cora?"

"She's back to normal" Derek said 

"What did you do?" Stiles asked "Or are you gonna be vague about that too?"

Derek sighed stopping as the others went ahead. 

"I had to give up my powers as an alpha" Derek said shrugging

"What?Why?" Stiles asked "Wasn't there any other way ?"

"No, This was the only way " Derek said walking ahead 

"So you're eyes are back to yellow or blue now?" Stiles asked catching up to him.

"Blue" Derek said "How did you know?"

"About that..."Stiles said hesitating a bit "Peter...uhm kind of told me and Cora about why your eyes were blue and not yellow..like Scott's were."

Derek stopped in his tracks looking down at the ground "Does anyone else know?" he asked

"No , just me and Cora" Stiles replied as they continued walking "I know you don't like talking about your past but, you were gone after Boyd's death and we needed you back, and Peter told us about it.."

"Just you and Cora?" Derek asked again

"Yeah" Stiles replied

Derek stayed silent for a while before walking "I didn't want anyone to know but now that you do, I guess I don't have a choice."

"Peter...."Stiles hesitated "He..uhm...he said that you saw Ennis's loss as an opportunity. To..turn your uh girlfriend.. so that you both could be together .. I didn't believe him and..he did say that you would say it was all his idea. A part of me feels like Peter lied." Stiles said swallowing hard knowing he was probably pushing it just a little

"Yeah you're right, It was his idea." Derek replied "He put the idea in my head and manipulated me into turning her."

"Oh." Stiles said as they reached their cars, he paused before saying " What was she like? The uhm..cello girl" 

Derek sighed and turned to face Stiles before saying "Different from most teenagers, she kept to herself, was smart and kind." 

"Oh" Stiles replied "I'm so sorry Derek.." 

"It's okay." Derek replied "It's not your fault"

Stiles nodded as he waved goodbye to join his dad

Derek sighed before thinking she was a lot like you. He wondered if he should tell Stiles he is planning to leave town with Cora but puts it off thinking it wouldn't matter to Stiles before heading back to the loft.

                                                                                                                              🌓

"So what ? Derek's gone? Indefinitely?" Stiles asked Scott

"That's what he told me" Scott replied "I don't know if he's every coming back"

Stiles sighed looking outside pursing his lips. Scott had just told him Derek had left with Cora ,away from Beacon Hills to keep his last family member, his sister safe.

Stiles understood why Derek left, it made sense that he would want to protect his sister, from everything he had to face and after nearly losing her when he had just got her back but he expected Derek to at least let him know before he left.

Eventually with time, Stiles's nightmares kept getting worse and they had just got Malia back. Stiles was out in the woods the previous day trying to help Scott find Malia and tonight he was doing the same, just alone. He had dropped his wallet that had his mom's pendant trying to find Malia. 

He was walking around the woods with his baseball bat and a flashlight for 20 minutes trying desperately to find it, part of him knew that it would be nearly impossible to find the wallet but he had to find it. 

He sighed as he continued walking when he heard the rustling of leaves behind hm turning around his senses on high alert. He flashed the light into the bushes trying to find something there as it shook.

Stiles's heartbeat was increasing rapidly as the rustling got worse and something pounced out making Stiles jump back in fear dropping the flashlight as he fell back clutching his chest.

"Scared of a rabbit? Really?" A familiar voice came from behind him, Stiles turned behind him to see a familiar silhouette walking towards him reaching down to pick up the flashlight.

"What are you doing back?" Stiles asked standing up and dusting himself off as Derek handed him the flashlight.

Derek looked at Stiles raising his eyebrows in response as Stiles rolled his eyes. 

"What do you mean what am I doing back?" Derek asked furrowing his eyebrows.

"Didn't you tell Scott you were off and weren't coming back"  Stiles said turning around and flashing the light around the area trying to find his wallet when Derek walked in front of him and held out his wallet.

Stiles looked up at Derek surprised taking it from his hands and looking through it to find his moms pendant present safely in it. He breathed a sigh of relief before looking up at Derek "Thank you"

Derek nodded before saying "I wasn't gone indefinitely, I got taken by a hunter group from Mexico, thanks to Peter."

"Oh" Stiles replied " So you escaped ?"

"Barely, Braeden saved us." Derek replied crossing his arms across his chest

"The one Deucalion killed?" Stiles asked confused 

"She's not dead, she's more of a contract killer kind, less killing" Derek shrugged 

"Okay?" Stiles said narrowing his eyes "Point is your back"

"Yeah " Derek replied "What are you wandering around in the woods this late? Couldn't you get your wallet during the day when there is natural light?"

Stiles took a deep breath walking back towards his jeep "I..uhm I couldn't sleep and my dad has a uhm night shift so"

"So you decided to wander into the woods in the middle of the night?" Derek asked furrowing his eyebrows

"Yeah, I just didn't feel like sleeping tonight" Stiles said 

Derek stayed quiet for a while before saying "I heard your heartbeat, What's wrong ?

Stiles sighed "It's nothing, just some nightmares" 

Derek paused before saying "When I had nightmares, after the fire... I kept my mom's amulet with me. It helped me"

Stiles looked at Derek for a second before saying "Yeah..Yeah.. I guess I could try that..I have my moms stuff"

They walked to Stiles jeep , a comfortable silence settling over them.

Stiles stood by his jeep waiting for Derek to say something before rolling his eyes and giving in. 

"Okay, What is it?" Stiles asked frustrated

"What?" Derek asked 

"Why are you looking at me like you have something to say?" Stiles asked

"You have a lot of dark circles and smell of.." Derek paused "of.. darkness" 

Stiles pinched his eyebrows together confused "Darkness? What is that supposed to mean?" 

"I don't know, It's just " Derek shrugged his voice trailing off "Are you sure you can get home safe?"

"Yeah I'll be fine" Stiles replied unlocking his jeep and sitting 

Derek stood there and watched as Stiles drove away.

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Stiles let out a surprised squeak as Caitlin kissed him. He kissed her back for a while before pulling back.

"Uh I thought you liked girls?" Stiles asked her 

"I do like girls. Do you?" She asked

"Absolutely" Stiles replied 

"Great " Caitlin replied 

"So you also like boys?" Stiles asked

"Absolutely" Caitlin replied  before pausing "Do you?" 

Stile was taken aback because that was not what he was expecting and just when his brain was about to short circuit Caitlin kissed him. 

His head couldn't stop replaying the question she had asked and weirdly about phosphors.

"Hmm" Stiles said pulling away " I am sorry What are phosphors?" 

"Oh they're any substance that luminesces , it's in your teeth and fingernails, Laundry detergent" she said 

"It's also this" She said rubbing off the obvious stain on his lip from the lipstick "Reacts to UV light that's why it glows"

Stiles nodded before kissing her back and stopping suddenly making her pull back "How would that get on my key?"

"Have you been handling chemicals?" She asked. Stiles was confused at first but then realised something.

He apologised to Catlin profusely before heading back making his way through the crowd to get out of the loft.

Stiles took his jeep to school and put two and two together realising he wad the one who had written the coded message in the chemistry lab.He explained the whole situation to Scott the next day while Scott just looked at him concerned.

Later that evening he went to hospital to try and get a couple of tests done to check if he had whatever killed his mom.He explained all the symptoms to Melissa who noted it down. 

Scott and Derek arrived to the hospital to check up on Stiles and see how he was doing. 

Derek turned as he heard Scott and Stiles coming to the room Stiles was just in.

Stiles looked at Derek raising his eyebrows surprised to see him there.

"I'm gonna go check in on my dad , you gonna be alright?" Scott asked patting his back

"Yeah yeah I'm fine. Go" Stiles replied as Scott left 

"So I was right" Derek said as Scott left the room

"Aboutt?" Stiles asked sitting on the bed

"About you not being well" Derek said 

Stiles sighed before saying "I'm so tired all the time and I had to be sedated just to be able to sleep for a longer time" 

Derek nodded just listening as Stiles yawned.

"You should sleep" Derek said 

"I don't want to. I don't even know when I'm awake and when I'm asleep." Stiles replied "For all I know, I could be stuck in a dream."

"You're not dreaming Stiles" Derek replied 

"I don't want to sleep" Stiles said looking away 

"Why?" Derek asked

"Cause I don't know if I'll ever wake up" Stiles sighed "It feels like I'm constantly stuck in a dream"

Derek nodded listening feeling a little bad for the teen.

"I have to count fingers" Stiles continued

"What?" Derek asked confused 

"It's something Scott showed me " Stiles said

" You have extra fingers in dreams" He said slowly drifting off to sleep as Derek just sighed sitting by his side before heading out to talk to Scott.

Scott gave him updates on Stiles's condition and said it could just be the aftermath of Allison, Stiles and Scott coming back from the dead. Derek nodded along but a part of him knew that there was more to this.

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Derek got a call in the middle of the night to inform him that Stiles was missing and told Scott he'd look for him at the hospital.

"He's not here. Not anymore" Derek said looking around the rooftop of the hospital. He had just searched the whole building and could smell lingering bits of Stiles scent which meant he was here but was gone already.

"You mean the whole building?" Scott asked

"Gone" He replied 

"I'll go tell Stillinski " Isaac replied heading back in

Scott walked up to Derek as Isaac left , "Notice how strong the scent is up here?" Derek asked

"Ever hear of chemo signals?" Derek asked turning to look at Scott who looked puzzled

"Chemical signals that communicate emotion" Derek replied looking back out "And just our sweat can give off anger, fear or disgust" 

"Take a deep breath" Derek instructed "And tell me what you feel"

"Stress" Scott replied

"and anxiety" Derek replied

"What was he doing up here" Scott asked

"I don't know" Derek said "There was definitely some kind of struggle"

"With who?" Scott asked

"With himself" Derek said .It felt like the more he tried to understand what was going on with Stiles the more complicated it got. He was annoyed at the situation because this is the kind of things he didn't want to drag Scott and Stiles into, when they got into the supernatural world.

Scott headed back inside to help Lydia with some clue she had found while Derek went downstairs to help Aiden out with fixing Stiles jeep. Derek knew it belonged to Stiles's mom and that he'd feel worse if he found out the jeep wasn't functioning

"So you think he's sleepwalking or is there something more to it?"Aiden asked Derek who was fixing up his jeep

"In this town there's always something more " Derek replied 

"What if I told you I know something more?" He asked Derek who raised his eyebrows in response

"I kinda overheard." Aiden started "Well I listened in on Stiles listening to Scott, how he thinks he was the one who wrote that message in the chemistry room"

Derek pinched his eyebrows together confused as Aiden continued " The message telling Barrow to kill Kira"

"You think Stiles" He pause like it was the most bizarre thing he had heard before saying "skinny, defenseless Stiles , Is the Nogitsune?" 

Aiden just stood there looking at him with his hands in his pockets as Derek continued furrowing his eyebrows "A powerful, dark spirit?"

"I'm not the only one thinking it" Aiden replied "I'm just the one saying it"

"This thing wants to possess someone and chooses Stiles?" Derek asks still not believing him

"Why not take someone bigger, stronger?" Derek asked trying to understand if what Aiden said made sense

"Someone with a little more "Derek said his voice trailing off before saying "power" As he bought the cable wires, sparks ignited from the current flowing through them as he put two and two together.

In that moment Derek realised the enormity of what Aiden had just said. Stiles was the only human in their pack, the one that schemes, strategised and made plans to take down whatever they were up against. This meant that if Stiles was really possessed by the Nogitsune, he knew that the only way they'd win was if they killed him, because Stiles was usually the one coming up with plans to save the day, he was the brains of the pack.

Derek went back to his loft and went though the books he had to find out more about the Nogitsune. He stayed up all night flipping through the pages and barely anything, sighing in frustration. 

He noticed the time and decided to talk to Kira, about what happened the night she was taken by Barrow. 

They both headed over to the power station as Kira lead him to where it all went down.

"It was around here I think" Kira stated

Derek looked around to find an aluminum baseball bat on the power box.

"What is that?A baseball bat?" Kira asked

"It's Stiles bat" He replied recognising it before walking to it and slowly trying to remove it. He struggled a bit initially before pulling it away and looking at it curiously furrowing his eyebrows.

"It's magnetized" Derek noted looking at Kira before noticing the scrape marks on the floor. He lined the bat up with the marks feeling the magnetic pull as he moved closer before it stuck to the power box again. Derek wondered what Stiles or the Nogitsune was upto before turning to Kira

"Kira I'm gonna need you to tell me everything you know about foxfire" Derek replied raising his eyebrows pointing to the warning sign behind her

Kira explained everything to Derek who listened intently when he got a text from Scott 'At the hospital, Stiles is getting a MRI'

Derek replied to it saying he was on the way and told Kira the same.

When they reached hospital Kira hesitated and Derek looked back waiting for her when she said she wasn't sure if she should go in.

Derek looked confused before she said "Basically that I let a dark spirit take control of his best friend" she replied

"You should probably wait here " Derek replied realising what she said made sense

He walked up to the floor Scott told him they were in and knocked on the door before being allowed into the screening room crossing his arms across his chest and noticing Stiles laying down in the machine. By the sound of his heartbeat and the chemo signals he was emitting, Derek could tell Stiles was anxious.

He sighed before waiting in silence for a while as Scott watched nervously along with the sheriff and Melissa. Scott sighed before saying "Can we talk? outside?" 

Derek nodded as they headed out to the waiting area. Derek took off his jacket feeling a little uneasy.

"He's going to be fine" Derek said sitting opposite to Scott

"I hope so" Scott replied "He has the same signs that his mom had...right before she died" 

"We will just have to figure out a way to help him , we always do" Derek replied

"Yeah with Stiles's help" Scott said "He always figures out something that helps us look at the bigger picture, How are we gonna do this without him?"

Derek sighed "I was worried about that too but we'll have to talk to the Argents if its our last choice"

Scott nodded as he and Derek spoke about why he decided to leave but came back to help Scott and protect Beacon Hills.

Scott suddenly had a look on his face like he had figured something out " He was trying to protect us" 

"Stiles was trying to protect us" He repeated ,Derek furrowed his eyebrows before realising what Scott meant and said "from himself"

They headed to the rooftop to try and find some clues on what exactly happened when Scott pushed out a bag filled with wires and cables hidden on top of a powerbox. They looked around to find something when they spotted a cable whose outer covering was torn open.

They walked around looking when they heard noise turning around to see huge sparks from the outlet as it grew bigger and wire came lose thrashing about making them take a step back. before running downstairs to find the electric wire loose in a body of water. They stopped in their tracks as they noticed Kira standing in the middle holding the wire and subduing the current as her eyes shone a bright orange.

Derek rushed to help Isaac and stayed in the hospital for the rest of the night until Isaac got better.

He told Scott that he had to tell Stiles dad about what was he really happening. Derek figured since he had the time he would look for Stiles the rest of the night before giving up out of exhaustion.

He couldn't remember the last time he had slept and went back to his loft to try and get some shut eye.

He headed out to the hospital the next day to check in on Isaac and took away some of his pain before setting out to look for Stiles. 

Derek was worried things would go south very fast with Stiles now being possessed by the Nogitsune. This was all Peter's fault Derek thought as he noticed the sun setting.

He headed back to his loft to see Peter setting there just reading a book. 

"Found your little spaz yet?" Peter asked not looking up

"This is all your fault" Derek growled

"My fault?" Peter replied furrowing his eyebrows "How is Stiles being possessed by the Nogitsune my fault?"

"You dragged Scott and Stiles into this supernatural world." Derek said pointing at him walking closer "If you had just let things be, They would just be normal high school teenagers."

"Scott is now a true alpha, Lydia is a banshee and Kate is now dead" Peter said shrugging " You're welcome"

"And Cora nearly died, we lost Boyd, Erica and now maybe Isaac!" Derek shouted in frustration "And Stiles is the Nogitsune , we don't even know where the hell he is!" 

Peter sighed standing up and walking to Derek "Erica and Boyd's blood is in your hands" He said "Stiles being missing, is not.my. problem" He said

"If you're so concerned about all this, you shouldn't have turned every insecure teenager into werewolves" Peter said standing in front of Derek and looking between his eyes.

"I asked them before turning them" Derek replied "And I did it so they could become strong enough to protect themselves. From people like you."

Peter scoffed before pushing past him to leave the loft "Oh and Derek, If the situation ever arises where I have to put Stiles down, I won't hesitate" He said 

"Maybe you'll watch another teenager die in your arms "Peter said "Someone who reminds you of the only girl you fell in love with. I wonder how it would feel seeing that happen again? Watching someone who looks like Paige die in your arms" he paused "Again."

Derek growled "He is not like Paige"

"Maybe it'll feel like Deja Vu" Peter replied "Watching...as the light die in his eyes.. gasping for breath, fighting back"

"You wouldn't dare" Derek said flashing his eyes at Peter furious

"If I have to" Peter said "Watch me" shutting the door and walking away

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Derek got a text from Scott a day later that they found Stiles and he had warned them about finding Argent's emitter. He looked around his loft as he heard the familiar sound of the emitters finding them hidden away behind the staircase. Picking up the emitter, he headed to Chris's place in an attempt to get some answers. He waited as Chris left before breaking into the apartment and placing the tracker on his desk.

Chris had just told him he had spent the last two days looking for Stiles when Derek sighed and said he was too. His dark circles making it evident that he was sleep deprived.

"Okay, we're both trying to find Stiles" Derek said "Mind if I ask what you planned on doing if you find him"

"Well, that depends on which Stiles I find him" He said pulling the emitter 

Derek sighed as he helped Chris open a briefcase filled with cash when they were interrupted by the FBI.

"So you know why Stiles would frame us for murder?" Chris asked

"I didn't think Stiles was smart enough to frame us for murder" Derek replied sighing , He chose to say smart enough instead of the words running in his head which were evil enough or cunning enough.

They sat there trying to understand what exactly Stiles or the fox had planned for them. He tugged on the handcuffs trying get free when suddenly there was chaos everywhere as a deputy came to unlock their handcuffs.

Derek looked around trying to focus on the noises, when he suddenly heard a ticking noise and turned to the sheriff's office behind him realising what was about to happen.

"Get Down!" Derek yelled covering Chris out of reflex. 

Derek had injured himself nearly passing out  when he stood up as Chris tried talking to him his vision a little blurry,

"Derek!" A familiar voice came to his side holding his shoulders "Derek are you okay?"

Derek's vision cleared up as he was finally able to focus and anchor himself "St-Stiles?" Derek called out

"Yeah yeah it's really me" Stiles said his voice shaking ,Derek could hear his heart beating really fast and smell that Stiles was anxious, he looked pale , his cheeks sunken in and the bags under his eyes more prominent than ever.

"I'm so sorry, I ..I didn't mean to " Stiles's voice trailed off his voice shaking 

Derek furrowed his eyebrows "This is not your fault Stiles" 

"Stiles we need to go , the Oni are coming" Scott called out rushing to his side "Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine" Derek replied "Get out of here, go!"

"I'll get him out" Chris said helping Derek

"Be safe " Derek replied looking at Stiles with a look on concern "Go!"

Stiles gave Derek a sympathetic look muttering sorry his eyes welling up before rushing with Scott.

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Once Deaton had poisoned the fox, Scott helped take Stiles back to his house where he rest for almost two days. Derek waited to get a text from Scott that Stiles was awake, staying up for nearly 3 days straight trying to heal .

Finally on the 3rd day he got a text at 3 p.m that Stiles was awake. Derek decided to check up on Stiles a few hours later. 

He knocked on the door to Sheriff Stillinski's house. Noah looked surprised that Derek was there 

"Derek?" He asked "Come in"

"Hello sir" Derek said "I just wanted to check up on Stiles"

"Yes he's upstairs" He replied shutting the door behind him

"He's gonna be okay sir" Derek said trying to reassure a visibly worried father.

Noah nodded patting Derek's shoulder saying " Thank you Derek, He's a little exhausted despite being asleep. Be careful" 

"Yes sure" Derek replied walking upstairs knocking on Stiles's door entering as he heard Stiles weakly say come in

"Derek?" Stiles said as he sat up in his bed "Since when did you enter through the door?"

Derek smiled to himself grabbing the chair and keeping it near the bed before sitting down "Well I decided to listen to you for a change"

"Shocking " Stiles said " Why do you look like me when I wasn't sleeping?"

"Well, I was up searching for you for few days" Derek said sighing "Hence the eyebags"

"Surprising" Stiles joked

"Well you've saved my life twice so I still owe you one" Derek shrugged

Stiles grinned before closing his eyes and breathing slowly. 

"I'm gonna go the Eichen House tomorrow" Stiles sighed opening his eyes but not looking at Derek

Derek nodded understanding. "As long as I'm in there, I'll know I won't harm anyone or cause any more pain" Stiles continued

"Scott thinks it's crazy, my das has his doubts " Stiles replied "Aren't you gonna tell me this is a bad idea?" He asked looking at Derek

Derek shook his head before saying "No, I don't. If you think this is going to help you, then you should do it."

"Irrespective of what anyone says" Derek said shrugging 

Stiles nodded his eyes feeling heavy "Thank you Derek"

"You should get some rest Stiles. Be careful" Derek replied as Stiles's eyes started shutting

"Hmm"Stiles murmured before falling asleep.

Derek sighed looking at the 17 year old teenager who was trying so hard to look strong for everyone and was trying to protect everyone around him, from himself. He stood up and carefully shut the door before saying goodbye to the Sheriff trying to assure him that Stiles would be fine before heading back home.

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The next few days Derek checked in with Scott on Stiles's whereabouts before the final fight. Derek had to convince himself that the Nogitsune that was wearing Stiles's face was not Stiles, he had to put the Nogitsune down or things would be very bad for all of them.

Although the Nogitsune could not technically die, they found a way to seal the Nogitsune shut for good. By the end of the fight when Derek rushed over to where Scott was to see Allison in his arms and his stomach dropped. He knew what had just happened, he stood there motionless as he felt an immense wave of sadness wash over him reminding him of the night that he lost the first person he ever loved.

He knew how heartbreaking it was for Scott as he heard her heart slow down and eventually come to a stop. He watched as Chris Argent walked over to her kneeling in front of his last remaining family member , the only one he loved, his hands shook as he reached over to hold his daughter's face one last time , his eyes welling up with tears. 

Just then he heard Lydia dragging Stiles's half unconscious body out to the scene her eyes bloodshot knowing she had cried. Derek rushed over to Lydia's side to help her so she could see her best friend one last time. 

Derek nodded at Lydia as he took Stiles's arm putting it around his shoulder and the other one around his hip as Lydia let go before she knelt beside Argent wailing as she held her best friend's hands in hers .

Derek tried staying strong but eventually was at a loss of words as he found himself tearing up the slightest bit.

She didn't deserve to die, she was too young, she was only 17.He watched as Scott picked up her limp body placing it in Argent's car as the 3 of them drove back home after checking with Derek fi he would help get Stiles back home.

Derek picked up Stiles gently placing him in his car as Kira and her mom approached him.

"Bring him to our place, his dad would be busy and we know how to help him" She said 

Derek nodded before saying "Lead the way, I'll follow you"

Derek followed their car in silence occassionaly looking over at Stiles to see if he had woken up. As he pulled into the driveway, Derek shut off the engine and helped Stiles into their home before placing him on the sofa.

"I'll make him some chamomile tea" Kira said as her mom nodded

"All this.." Derek said as he sat down "Why is it.. why is there no way to kill it?"

"That's how it's always been" She replied " It's a thousand years old and has survived generations."

Stiles flinched a little as he opened his eyes looking around and stopped at Derek "Derek?"

"Yeah, Are you okay?" Derek asked concerned

"I'm fine..I just.. I feel weak" Stiles said "What..What happened"

"I'll give you a minute" She said leaving the room

"Stiles.." Derek sighed "Allison she...she's dead"

Stiles's eyes welled up with tears a pained expression on his face "I.... I did this...this..this is all my fault" His voice shaking

"No, it is not." Derek said sternly " This was not your doing, it was the Nogitsune. She killed an Oni and then ...an Oni killed her"

"If I hadn't let myself be tricked by it and let it in, none of this would have happened" Stiles said weakly

"Stiles, This is not your fault." Derek repeated "The Nogitsune has done this for years and is continuing to do it. We need to focus on avenging her death, make this right and bring justice to her."

Stiles looked at Derek swallowing hard before looking at his trembling hands intertwining them before taking some deep breaths to pace himself as Derek watched him a look of concern on his face.

"You're right." Stiles replied trying to blink the tears away when Derek got a call from Aiden telling him he needs to come to the loft for an emergency, Derek persisted on what it was before they ended the call asking him to come right away.

He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion before Stiles said "Just go, right now the 3 of you are the only ones who can work on a plan, And we need to work fast"

Derek sighed nodding "Text me if you need me" 

Stiles nodded as Kira and her mom entered with a tray with tea. Derek walked to the entrance with Kira behind  "Look after him, text me if you see any changes in him" Derek said as they stepped out 

"Yeah okay" Kira said as he walked away shutting the door behind him.

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At the end of the final fight, Derek stayed by Ethan's side as Aiden lie dying in his arms. All they wanted was to belong in a pack and now Ethan had lost his brother.

He helped Ethan take Aiden's body and bury it in his favourite place by the woods. Derek tried his best to reassure Ethan before they went their separate ways as Derek entered the quiet, empty loft sighing as the weight of the last few days finally weighed in on him. 

He picked up his phone to see a message from Stiles reading 'All okay?'

'Yes, just dropped off Ethan home' Derek texted back

'You okay?' Derek asked

'I will be' Stiles replied

Derek threw his phone onto his table before looking around realising something was wrong.

"What was it?"Stiles voice echoed

"There is a lot of myths about how people can be turned into a werewolf...usually a bite, there is one about rain water." 

"Drinking rain water out of a  puddle of a werewolves print" Stiles voice echoed again

"There is another one"

"Derek if this is only just a dream, why do you look so worried?"Stiles voice echoed

"Cos I don't remember waking up. So tell me , how do you know, how do you know if you're still dreaming?" 

"Fingers. In dreams you have extra fingers" Stiles voice echoed anchoring him.

Derek saw Stiles's hand . Six. There were six fingers.

That was the last thing he saw before he fell to the ground because of the bullet and saw her. Kate . She was real.

"This is real" Derek said out loud looking at Kate appeared from the shadows.

Chapter Text

Stiles had just recieved a text from Scott asking him to come out saying Emergency. He shoved his phone into his pocket before heading over downstairs and locking the front door to join Scott

"What's wrong? What's the emergency?" Stiles asked as Scott handed him a helmet while he sat behind him on the bike

"Derek's missing" Scott replied "We need to head over to Deaton's"

"So what now? Where's Derek?" Stiles asks Scott as they drove towards Deaton's clinic 

"I don't know that's what we have to find out," Scott said 

No wonder he hasn't been replying to my texts or snuck in through my window Stiles thought to himself. After about 10 minutes, they stopped at Deaton's clinic and met Lydia at the door.

"Okay so how long has it been?" Stiles asked as they walked into Deaton's clinic

"Weeks, he hasn't gotten back to any of my texts" Scott replied picking up a metal box from the shelf

"Has Derek ever returned your texts ?" Stiles asked sarcastically

"Once. Definitely Once" Scott replied "But this time it felt different. So I went to the loft, the alarm was on, Everything looked ok."

"But then I found these," Scott said opening the box and moving it in front of Stiles and Lydia

Stiles reached in and picked up the bullet which had a skull engraved on it looking at it intently. 

"So I sent a picture of it to Deaton. He said it's the mark of a family of hunters based out of Mexico. The Calaveras."

"Why would they want Derek?" Lydia asked as Stiles continued inspecting the bullet wondering if Derek was still alive or was being tortured by these hunters.

"You don't think they killed him, do you?" Stiles asked worried.

"I don't know" Scott replied shaking his head as Stiles's heartbeat sped up a little 

"That's why you're here," Scott said looking at Lydia who picked up the bullet casings and dropped them as she looked up at Scott.

Stiles looked at her with a worried expression "Lydia, What? Is he dead?" 

"No" Lydia replied "But I'm not sure he's alive either"

"What does that mean?" Scott asked

"I don't know" She replied making Stiles look back at Scott in concern

"There's something not right. I just.." She said pursing her lips " I don't know."

"So if the Calaveras have him, how do we find them?" Stiles asked looking at Scott who picked up the bullet and said "Mexico."

As the 3 of them discussed a plan on what to do, they dropped a message to Kira and Malia telling them about the plan before heading back home.

Stiles thanked Scott when he dropped him off at home as he unlocked the front door and walked upstairs before crashing on his bed his mind wandering back to their last interaction. 

Derek walked over to Stiles as Lydia had finally composed herself and walked over to Aiden. 

"Are you okay?" Derek asked as he stood in front of Stiles

"As fine as I can be" Stiles replied looking away before looking over at Aiden who was still at a distance because he couldn't let himself see the pain he had inflicted.

"It's not your fault Stiles," Derek said raising his eyebrows

Stiles nodded shaking his leg nervously "I let it kill Allison and Aiden."

"That wasn't you. It was the Nogitsune." Derek replied "It's not your fault. It may take some time but..you shouldn't feel guilty about it."

Stiles swallowed hard and closed his eyes looking away as the rest of the pack joined them. 

"Take some rest, Stiles, you've exerted yourself enough" Derek replied walking away as Scott joined them.

Stiles sighed before sitting up and unlocking his phone to open his chat with Derek.

Stiles: All ok?

Derek: Yes, just dropped off Ethan home. You okay?

Stiles: I will be.

Derek always checked in on him after every fight and it seemed odd that he hadn't after this one. Stiles thought Derek blamed him for their deaths but a part of him knew that wasn't the case. 

His dad helped him recover the next few weeks from the nightmares and helped him go back to his usual routine. Stiles did think about Derek from time to time and wondered if he should drop by the loft sometime but something kept holding him back.

He yawned rubbing his palms against his eyes and started packing his things into a bag to carry with him

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The next day Stiles convinced his dad by telling him it was a school field trip which he surprisingly didn't question before heading out onto the road. 

After double-checking their plan, Lydia and Stiles wandered the streets while Scott, Malia, and Kira snuck into the club.

After a confusing walk through the shady club, they reached a room where Araya Calavera was sitting waiting for them.

Stiles and Lydia took their seats looking around cautiously before reaching into their pockets and taking out bundles of cash.

"That's 50,000 for Derek," Stiles said putting down the money on the table

"Now, where does a teenage boy get money like this?" Araya asks smirking "Japanese Mafia?"

The hunters around cock their guns trying to intimidate Stiles and Lydia before Arya leans on the table and says "Not smart to come alone."

"What makes you think we came alone?" Stiles asked furrowing his eyebrows 

"You brought a wolf into my home?!" She called out standing up

"We bought an alpha" Stiles retorted

"When you and your friends have suffered so much loss, you would risk it all again for someone like Derek Hale? " She asked

"Cause we don't like to lose" Stiles replied 

The hunter talking in Spanish through the walkie-talkie interrupted them when, "Maybe you should just take the deal" Lydia quipped

"All right. Come on. Just give us Derek" Stiles replied his heart beating a little faster in worry that things may go south but maintaining his composure before continuing "You don't want him anyway."

 "Haven't you noticed what a downer he is?" Stiles said "No sense of humor, Poor conversationalist." Lydia nodded in agreement

"Just come on, Take the money" Stiles replied

Within no time Scott, Kira, Lydia, and the rest of the pack got captured by the hunters during which they found out that they didn't have Derek, but instead was probably taken by the were-jaguar who was none other than Kate Argent being held captive by the Calavera hunters.

After getting the information they needed, they headed back onto the road following Braeden.

When Malia and Kira questioned who Kate Argent was, Lydia and Scott chimed in talking about how she was Allison's aunt and a sociopath while Stiles interjected saying 

"Kate was the one who set the fire that killed most of Derek's family." He sighed as Scott continued and mentioned the Hunter honor code.

In the middle of this Stiles's jeep suddenly swerved and broke down in the middle of nowhere.

Stiles jumped out of the jeep claiming something had hit the jeep. After Scott tried to argue with Stiles about not leaving him behind,

Stiles said "Dude someone needs to find Derek, We'll figure something out. Go" 

Once Scott left, Stiles tried his best to fix his jeep arguing with Lydia about not abandoning the jeep while also worrying about Derek and if he was still alive.

Eventually, after a lot of trying, Stiles's jeep started and they headed towards the church Braeden had mentioned, Stiles driving as fast as he could his heart almost beating out of his chest.

As Stiles pulled up to the church, he noticed Scott and Braeden carrying someone and jumped out of the jeep rushing towards them worried that Derek was hurt or worse, dead.

He slowed down as they reached closer noticing that the boy being held up by Braeden and Scott was smaller. Stiles's heartbeat quickened as he watched Scott come closer.

He looked at the boy from head to toe and a switch clicked in his head, this was Derek. He saw a picture of younger Derek from an earlier case file he was looking through in his dad's old cases folder. As Malia, Kira, and Lydia joined him, he stood there perplexed.

"Is that him? Is that Derek?" Malia asked looking at Stiles while Kira and Lydia did the same

Stiles tilted his head "Uh, sort of" He replied as a young Derek looked up at him, a confused look on his face. 

"Who..who are you?" Derek asked looking between them

"I'm Stiles, this is Malia, Kira, Lydia and that is Scott." Stiles said " I know this is confusing but you'll have to trust us"

"I don't even know you, Why should I?!" He called out

"Well because Scott and Braeden just saved your life okay, and we're from Beacon Hills, we will take you back there," Stiles replied as they placed him in the backseat of his jeep.

Stiles and Scott shared a knowing look between the two of them before they all packed in as Derek passed out in the backseat

Stiles drove back to Beacon Hills as if his life depended on it, before he knew it, they had pulled up at Deaton's clinic as they held Derek's limp body and placed it on the table.

Stiles watched as Deaton tried to figure out what was happening a sense of deja vu hit him as he recalled the first time he had helped Derek when the wolfsbane bullet shot him.

Deaton told them it was best if Derek had stayed with him, for his safety.

"You mean from Kate?" Stiles asked concerned

Deaton urged everyone to go home when Scott asked if someone should stay back with Derek, just as Stiles was about to volunteer, Derek's grip on Lydia's hand tightened and she said she would stay.

"My grades are fine, despite missing a few classes" Lydia replied 

Stiles raised his eyebrows "I am so not okay with this" 

"Guys, go." Lydia urged

"No" Stiles retorted not moving

"Text us if anything happens" Scott replied turning to walk

"Nope, Still not okay with this" Stiles replied as Scott started to drag him away "Not going anywhere"

"Okay, just because you're stronger" He complained as Scott dragged him away.

He drove back home reluctantly before crashing on the bed exhausted from the lack of sleep.

The next day when they were in school, Scott and Stiles got a message from Kira's father's phone telling them to call Lydia.

When Scott called Lydia she told them that Derek had wolfed out and attacked Deaton before running away. Scott and Stiles jumped into their vehicles speeding away towards Deaton's clinic.

"So we have no idea where Derek is?Again?" Stiles asked Scott who just sighed as they rushed in to find Deaton hurt and Lydia bandaging his arm.

Lydia informed them that he wasn't just young in body but also mind because he didn't recognize either of them.

When Stiles questioned where Stiles would go if a werewolf were scared Scott replied by saying he'd head to his loft where he lived.

"Not when he was a teenager" Stiles replied when he suddenly realised he'd go back to his house

"The Hale House?" Lydia said out loud voicing Stiles's thoughts

"He's going to find the ruins of the Hale fire" Stiles replied

After a bit of back and forth, they decided it would be best to tell Derek that his whole family had died because he'd be able to tell if they were lying.

Just then Stiles got a call from his dad only to be yelled at by his dad to get his ass to the police station because he found some kid whose fingerprints came up ad Derek's.

Stiles and Scott rushed toward the police station as they heard the news, they jumped out of their jeep rushing into the station out of breath to see Derek sitting there with Sherrif Stillinski eyeing him suspiciously when he looked up to notice his son and his best friend panting before saying "I'll handle this"

After Scott and Stiles smoothed things over with the Sheriff, they managed to get some time alone with Derek.

As Scott spoke to Derek, a letter from the Eichen house caught Stiles's attention, he moved the letter on top of it to notice that there was red print stating second notice on it.

"Who are you guys?" Derek asked grabbing his attention

"Oh we're the guys keeping you out of jail" Stiles replied

Eventually after a lot of back and forth about not trusting them and Scott lying about where his family was, Derek agreed to go with Stiles.

While Scott and Stiles waited for Derek to be done with the formalities, Scott said "I shouldn't have lied"

"You saved him a lot of unnecessary pain" Stiles replied "We'll figure this out in a day or two, he goes back to being old Derek, and everyone's happy," he said before pausing

"Except for Derek. Who's never happy" He said narrowing his eyes and looking at Derek 

 "I feel like it's better if we told him the truth" Scott replied 

"All right, but that is Derek Hale in there. He may be a kid right now but that's still Derek Hale in there" Stiles said 

Scott urged Stiles to take him to his house while he went to check with Peter.

Stiles sighed turning around as Derek walked up to him. 

"Where's your friend?" Derek asked

"He's gone to talk to someone who might be able to help us, You're coming with me" Stiles replied as they walked towards the exit.

"Why should I trust you?" Derek asked as they entered the Jeep

"Because I'm the one keeping you out of jail, You see the Sheriff there? That's my dad." Stiles said raising his eyebrows " As long as I'm keeping you out of jail, you don't have a choice. One call. That's all it takes and I can put you back there. Now we don't want that do we?" Stiles asked looking at younger Derek who had the same stoic expression older Derek always had.

Derek furrowed his eyebrows and looked at Stiles with a funny expression before nodding reluctantly.

Stiles breathed a sigh of relief feeling a little bad about threatening a teenager but convinced himself it was only fair because Derek threatened to rip his throat out when they were in his jeep.

They sat in an awkward silence when Stiles decided to engage in conversation with him.

"So...uhm. How much do you remember?" Stiles asked 

"I don't know. My memory comes in flashes" Derek replied looking outside the window

Stiles nodded before saying "So.. your powers, you can't control it on a full moon?"

Derek turned to glare at Stiles before saying "I'm fine."

Stiles rolled his eyes before saying " I'm only asking because Scott can help you. You may not trust us but we know you and we want to help you, Derek"

Derek turned to look at Stiles with a puzzled expression on his face when Stiles turned to look at him with a confused look on his face.

"What?" Stiles asked

"You look familiar." Derek replied still looking at him like he was trying to figure out where he had seen him before " Like I've seen you before"

Stiles shrugged as they pulled over to Scott's house and said "I don't know who you think I look like but I don't think we met when you were a teenager."

Derek got out of the jeep following Stiles as he unlocked the door.

"We're going to wait here for Scott," Stiles said walking in as Derek followed shortly behind "We're going to sit here quietly. And we're not going to call or talk to anyone."

"Do I talk to you?" Derek asked 

"No," Stiles said looking at him

"Fine," Derek replied

"Good" Stiles replied as Derek turned to look ahead and pointed before saying " Who's going to talk to him?"

Stiles turned to see Scott's father standing there with takeout "Ah! Are you getting taller?" He questioned.

Derek looked between the two of them confused.

"What are you guys doing here?" He asked 

"Waiting for Scott" Derek replied looking at Stiles

"Yeah, so am I. We're supposed to have dinner" He said"I brought extra. You guys hungry?" 

"Yeah," Derek replied at the same time when Stiles said "No. We're not hungry" while Derek turned to look at him with a funny expression.

"No, I'm starving" Derek repeated looking at Rafael

" Neither of us are hungry" Stiles repeated "Thanks, though"

"Okay well if you're not hungry, Stiles, your friend can still eat with us." He replied, "What's your name?"

"Der-" Derek started when he was interrupted by Stiles pointing to him and saying "Miguel." earning yet another funny look from Derek

"My cousin Miguel" Stiles stammered putting an arm on Derek's shoulder bringing him closer and patting it "From Mexico. So.." 

Derek looked at him with a funny look and smiled before looking at Rafael who spoke to him in Spanish.

"Oh my god," Stiles said worried and confused as Derek replied to him back in Spanish, Derek turned to look at him a cocky grin plastered on his lips.

"Fantastic.Egg roll?" Rafael asked

"Hell yea" Derek replied joining Rafael grinning as Stiles laughed nervously at the whole interaction.

As they sat down to have dinner, Rafael questioned Derek about his last name, and Stiles interjected again.

"Juarez" He said looking at Derek who looked at him with a look that screamed Seriously? before Stiles continued "Cinqua Tiago"

Derek pinched his eyebrows together amused at the nonsense Stiles was spewing from his mouth within seconds.

"That's a mouthful" Rafael noted "How do you spell that?" 

Derek turned to look at Stiles shrugging and raising his eyebrows as if to say Go ahead, when Stiles looked back at Rafael and said "Phonetically"

Derek turned to notice the FBI badge by the side of the table and said "Mr.McCall you're an FBI agent?"

"He's low level" Stiles interrupted worried Derek would ask him something about the Hale fire "Very low level. He doesn't even have a voice."

"So you investigate murders?" Derek asked

"Sometimes. When it's a federal crime" He responded

"What about fires?" Derek asked as Stiles nervously tapped his chopsticks on the table.

"Oh my god. I wonder where Scott is" Stiles said chewing nervously trying his best to change the topic "Shouldn't Scott be here by now? We should call Scott."

Stiles dropped a message to Scott asking him to get his ass down here as Derek questioned Rafael about the Hale fire.

While Rafael told Derek the truth about the Hale family, Stiles kept nervously chewing on his food and avoiding eye contact with Derek who was sheoting him death stares.

As they finished eating, Stiles emptied the takeout containers and threw out the chopsticks when Derek walked up to him invading his personal space and staring him down before saying " We need to talk."

"Yeah of course" Stiles stammered nervously as they both walked upstairs to Scott's room Stiles's heart beating faster by the minute.

Stiles opened the door to Scott's room signaling Derek to enter first before he entered and closed the door behind him when suddenly he was pinned to the door with his chest pressed against it by Derek who was behind him holding his hair and a hand on his back holding him in place.

"Why did you lie?" Derek growled

"Okay, I didn't lie. I omitted certain truths" Stiles responded nervously "Vital truths now that I think about it"

Derek moved back letting him go as Stiles turned to face him "I don't want to talk to you. I want to talk to the Alpha, I'll talk to Scott."

"Okay I'm going to go get him" Stiles replied opening the door "My phone's downstairs. Going to call him real quick."

"You stay here. Just don't move okay? Don't move" Stiles rambled pointing at him as he walked towards the staircase before jumping in front of the door and saying "Don't" fearing that Derek had left

"I thought you" Stiles's voice trailed off walking away as Derek looked at him confused.

Derek sat down on Scott's bed intertwining his fingers and waiting nervously when he heard a creak and noticed a familiar figure walking towards him.

"Kate?" Derek asked 

"Hey handsome" Kate replied walking closer.

Stiles on the other hand called Scott who gave him an update while Stiles ran back upstairs still on call and noticed a familiar face at the window smiling back at him.

"You might be right" Stiles replied as he watched Kate leave with Derek.

Scott told Stiles to head to the school as Malia and Scott did the same but not before calling Lydia and Kira.

As they all headed to the school, Stiles's heart was beating out of his chest the whole time worrying about what Kate was planning to do with Derek.

Stiles reached at the same time as Lydia and Kira did while Lydia rolled her eyes and told him that he needed to get something other than the aluminum baseball bat that he was holding before they headed back in.

Stiles and Lydia made their way toward the vault and proceeded with caution as they noticed smoke in the vault.

Stiles couldn't stop the smile on his face when Peter told him he had been robbed of 117 million dollars.

After finding out that Kate had left and that Derek had left to protect Scott when he roared, Stiles gave Scott a call who then asked him to meet them at the entrance.

Stiles, Peter, and Lydia rushed over to the entrance to find Scott chatting with Derek who was back to his former self.

"Derek?" Stiles said panting as Derek turned to face them

"Stiles." Derek replied smiling the slightest bit

"You're back to normal?" Stiles questioned furrowing his eyebrows

"As normal as can be." Derek said raising his eyebrows

"I'll take that as a good sign of health," Stiles said pursing his lips 

"We have bigger problems at hand" Peter interrupted "We've been robbed"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the next week or so Derek tried avoiding Stiles while trying to find Kate. What did it mean when he saw Stiles in his subconscious before he got taken by Kate? 

A part of him knew the answer but didn't want to address it because he knew that would just lead him down a rabbit hole and that was not something he wanted to do right now.

Derek sighed as he pulled out his phone and typed out a message to Scott and Stiles.

Stiles's phone lit up with a notification, he unlocked his phone to see that he had just gotten a message from Derek that read 'Pack meeting @ 5' 

He dressed and drove to the loft to find Scott's bike at the entrance.

He walked inside to find Derek and Scott talking about something when they turned to look at Stiles.

"What's going on?" Stiles asked joining the two at the table standing next to Derek.

"We were just meeting about Kate" Derek replied his arms crossed across his chest with the same stoic expression on his face

"And you needed me becauseee?" Stiles asked looking between the two of them

"Because we need your help" Scott replied 

"When you were in the vault with Peter, what did you see?" Derek asked, "I don't trust everything Peter said."

"Oh." Stiles said crossing his arms across his chest "Uhm, I saw that there was smoke everywhere which I'm assuming was from one of the bombs given the empty canisters, but Peter was holding the triskelion in his hand and there was no sign of Kate anywhere in there"

Derek listened intently nodding before Scott asked "Why, what happened?"

"Peter told me he and Kate were fighting when they got interrupted. So I'm trying to figure out if Kate planned this whole thing or if there was a third party involved." Derek replied

"Didn't you ask Braeden to look for Kate?" Stiles questioned

"Yes. But if there is a 3rd person involved, we may have to look elsewhere" Derek sighed "Let's wait and hear what Braeden has to say. Until then, the two of you stay alert, and keep your friends safe. " 

Scott and Stiles nodded as they headed out.

"Stiles" Derek called out as Stiles was leaving making him turn around as Derek walked up to him.

"Here," Derek said handing Stiles a set of 3 keys.

"What is this?" Stiles asked as Derek dropped it in his hand

"Keys to my loft" Derek replied looking at Stiles who looked puzzled

"What? Why?" Stiles asked pinching his eyebrows together in confusion

"In case something like this happens again" Derek replied " If it ever comes to the point where I'm not to be found, I'll need you to take some of my valuables that are in here"

"Okay... What kind of valuables? " Stiles asked "And why me?"

"Because I trust you. There are some stuff I managed to save from the fire and a couple of things I got from the vault, cause I don't trust Peter" Derek said looking away 

"Oh." Stiles said surprised that Derek had finally started trusting him "Okay...I'll..I'll keep it safe. Thanks for trusting me I guess"

Derek nodded before turning to walk away.

"Wait, Are you okay?" Stiles asked making Derek stop in his tracks

"I'm fine" Derek replied "Just tired"

"Are you sure?" Stiles asked again concerned

"Yes, Stiles," Derek replied walking towards his room.

Stiles rolled his eyes before shutting the door to his loft and getting into his jeep. He held up the keys Derek had given looking at them curiously before keeping them in a hidden compartment in his wallet wondering the whole time why Derek decided to give his loft keys to him instead of Scott or even Malia.

To be fair Malia seemed like a long shot, although they were family, Malia still didn't know the truth about Peter but Scott was the first person he thought of because of their brotherly bond cause they were wolves or whatever. 

He sighed before starting his jeep and driving home in silence thinking that something seemed off with Derek when he saw him.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stiles had just got a call from Scott saying he had Liam and needed him but to call his dad and Derek to the hospital.

Stiles dialed Derek's number letting it ring until Derek picked up the call "Yes Stiles?"

"Derek you need to get to the hospital, Rooftop, particularly." Stiles said "I'll explain later but my dad needs help and neither me nor Scott can get there."

"Alright, I'll be there" Derek replied hanging up

The next few days passed by with Stiles helping Scott with his new beta, aka Liam but he got occasional updates from his dad that they were working towards finding a guy who had no mouth and had attacked Peter.

He stayed by Malia's side while Scott was with Liam during the full moon, he was by Scott's side just a few years back and now they were the ones helping their friends.

After everything was done he got a text from Derek asking him to come to the station. Stiles was taken aback and worried because Derek rarely ever texted.

Stiles explained the situation to Malia who went to check on Lydia while he headed over to the station to find his dad with a bandage on his head talking to Derek.

"Dad?!" Stiles called out rushing to his side "What happened to you?"

"I'm fine Stiles, just a small scratch" He replied patting his shoulder

"How did this happen?" Stiles asked looking between Derek and his dad

"We were at the school looking for the benefactor when he was attacked "Derek replied 

"But Derek helped me, he fought it." His dad interrupted patting his shoulder "He was there to save me"

Stiles looked at Derek with a grateful look before thanking him

Derek explained everything to Stiles about how just when they were going to arrest it, Peter came and slashed it to shreds making Stiles furrow his eyebrows in confusion.

"Give me a minute boys," His dad said walking away as Derek came closer "What's wrong?"

"Do you... do you think it's possible... that Peter slashed that thing because.. he knew something?" Stiles questioned

Derek pinched his eyebrows together "I wouldn't put it past him." 

"Did you have a chance to talk to Scott?" Stiles asked

"No, He called but I didn't think it was important. I'm yet to call him back...Why?" Derek asked

"You're gonna want to talk to him," Stiles said raising his eyebrows

"Is everything okay?" Derek asked concerned

"Yeah yeah, Just respond to his call " Stiles replied

Derek nodded as his dad joined them "Derek, I think you should keep an eye on your uncle, make sure he doesn't do what he did at the school again."

Derek nodded "Text me if you need my help," He said to Stiles who nodded in response when Stiles got a text from Scott telling him Chris was in town and that they had found something.

Stiles, Scott, and his dad spent the rest of the night discussing the Benefactor and everything that was going on with supernatural creatures being murdered.

Derek reached his loft and crashed on his bed trying to figure out why he was losing his powers and why his eyes were now golden.

He sighed wondering if it had anything to do with the dream where he saw Stiles.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Derek was let in on Scott biting his first Beta, Derek decided to pay a visit at school to give Scott a little pep talk.

Just as he was leaving he saw Stiles across the hall who noticed him and crossed the distance to stand by his side.

"So you know?" Stiles asked

"Yes, I think Scott's gonna be a great alpha" Derek replied smiling

"Yea I told him the same thing" Stiles replied "You know about his anger?"

"Yeah I do, I think it'll be good for him" Derek said 

" I asked Scott to mention that to you, you know since anger is your anchor" Stiles replied shrugging

Derek looked at Stiles for a second before looking away and clearing his throat before saying "Uh... Yeah. I've gotta go "

Derek walked away leaving Stiles confused "Derek!" Stiles called out "Chris is back in town" He said before heading back to class.

As the night set in, Scott and Stiles tried their best to keep Liam off the field for his lacrosse game but eventually they had no choice but to let it go.

Scott got a text from Lydia informing him that Brett was on the list. Scott looked around to find Brett missing and told Stiles about the same.

After they caught the person going around murdering werewolves, Scott urged Stiles to call Derek and take an injured Brett to Deaton while he stayed back knowing his dad was going to show up to the crime scene.

Stiles carried Brett's unconscious body to his jeep and started his jeep before dialing Derek's number. 

"Derek, get to Deaton's clinic, Somethings up with Brett" Stiles said as the call was picked up

"Who's Brett?" Derek asked

"A werewolf, he was on the list." Stiles replied "I called Deaton too, I'll be there soon" 

"Okay, I'm coming " Derek said as Stiles ended the call

Stiles pulled over to Deaton's clinic to see Deaton and Derek waiting outside.

"What's wrong?" Deaton asked as Stiles stepped out of the jeep and rushed over to Brett's side as Derek helped him carry him.

"Where..Where am I?" Brett murmured 

"You're at a clinic, you've been poisoned. We are friends of Liam. We'll help you" Stiles said as they carried him inside and placed him on the table.

Just as they put him down, Brett started shaking and his whole body was flailing, Stiles and Derek shared a concerned look before helping hold him down.

Before they knew it he was foaming at the mouth, his whole body convulsing in agony as Deaton walked over to grab something while they struggled to hold him down.

"What the hell is happening to this kid" Stiles said trying his best to hold him down

"He's been poisoned by a rare wolfsbane" Deaton replied holding a scalpel "I need to make an incision, and you need to hold him as still as possible"

"Hey, Derek, How about a little werewolf strength?" Stiles said looking over at Derek

"Yeah, I'm not the only one with werewolf strength" Derek replied when Stiles shot him a look of concern when Deaton interrupted them

"If you can't hold him still, the incision might kill him" Deaton said looking between the two of them as they tried their best to hold Brett down.

"I think he's slipping, I don't think I can hold him" Stiles said panting as Brett flashed his eyes yellow before pushing the 3 of them away getting ready to run when Peter showed up and punched him across the face as Brett collapsed on the floor while Derek glared at Peter breathing hard.

"I guess I still have a little werewolf strength myself" Peter said his eyes turning back to normal as he looked at Derek while Stiles looked between the two of them with a funny expression before being interrupted by Brett grunting as he walked in front of him.

"Yeah maybe more than a little " Derek replied as Derek looked down at his arm to see that Brett had clawed him and it wasn't healing.

"Hey Doc, I don't think he's breathing " Stiles said interrupting Derek's thoughts

Deaton kneeled down next to him and made an incision in the middle of his chest as Brett gasped while a brown smoke released from the cut while Stiles just watched in awe.

"Is he okay?" Stiles asked 

"I think he'll be fine , but he'll probably be out for a while" Deaton replied 

Peter looked over at Derek's arm with an intrigued look while Derek looked back at his arm which finally healed making Derek breath a sigh of relief.

Derek looked over as he heard Brett murmuring "Guys, Can you hear that? I think he's saying something " Stiles said looking at Peter and Derek who walked closer.

"The sun..the moon.. the truth" Brett repeated

"Three things cannot be long hidden" Deaton said

"The sun, the moon and the truth" He paused looking at Derek before saying "It's Buddhist"

Derek looked at Peter with a confused look before Peter put two and two together and said "Satomi"

After making sure Brett was going to stay alive, Deaton assured him that he would drop him back home while Peter left to finish some unfinished businesses as he stated.

Derek stayed back choosing to remain quiet, quieter than usual Stiles noted as he locked up the place.

Stiles walked over to where Derek was standing and stood beside him looking at him for a second before looking ahead.

"I saw your arm" Stiles replied looking at him

Derek sighed looking over at Stiles and said " I'm losing my powers... Since Kate took me."

"What?" Stiles asked turning to face him "Why didn't you tell anyone?"

"Yeah, I should've told you and Scott" Derek said crossing his arms across his chest " Guys, I know all of your names are on a dead pool and there's probably a serial killer out there, after you, but, I'm losing my powers."

Stiles rolled his eyes "Okay, okay fine. What now? Do you know why it happened?"

"No. I've hired Braeden to find Kate. To try and explain all of this." Derek sighed "But it's not your concern right now, so don't go looking around in your books or online"

"But-" Stiles protested

"Nope, You are not going to get involved" Derek replied "Say it"

Stiles huffed annoyed before reluctantly agreeing.

"Go back home, It's late. You have school tomorrow" Derek quipped walking away

"You sound like my dad" Stiles grunted as he got into his jeep driving back home.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day Derek headed over to school to get help from Malia to try and track down Brett's pack when Malia was telling Derek to think differently.

"Maybe we need to think like Stiles" Malia replied

"Like a.."Derek paused narrowing his eyes "Like a hyperactive spaz?"

"Like a detective" Malia replied when Derek realise she was right.

As Malia and Derek reached the Eastern point, they found a pack that was now dead, or poisoned.

Derek looked around with a look of fear worried about what was about to happen to the werewolves in Beacon Hills when he heard a familiar voice.

He rushed over to see Braeden injured amongst the pack members. He carried her and placed her in his car before rushing over to the hospital.

Stiles on the other hand was trying to decipher the last name to unlock the key to the 3rd list when Lydia closed her eyes and typed a name that came to mind.

Stiles's heart beat faster as Lydia typed the last letter to the name. ' DEREK' The screen read as Stiles continued staring in concern as Lydia hit enter.

The names on the list showed up as the screen loaded confirming what Lydia and Stiles believed.

Stiles spent the next few days trying to focus on the chaos in school. While everyone around him was falling sick, Stiles walked around trying to figure out what caused the virus when he heard someone cock a gun behind his head.

Stiles turned around slowly as the man placed the gun on his forehead, Stiles closed his eye in fear as he counted down to pull the trigger when he heard a gunshot go off and felt blood splatter on his face. He opened his eyes to see Rafael standing in a hazmat suit with a gun in his hand. He had just shot through the man's skull to save Stiles.

Rafael told Stiles there's an antidote in the vault and to get to it as soon as possible. Stiles did as instructed and managed to show up just in time to save Scott and Malia.

He watched as Malia walked away from him confused at first but then noticed the piece of paper with her name on it 'MALIA HALE'.

Stiles knew he had messed up as Scott and Kira looked at him with a sympathetic look before he decided to head back home.

Stiles took a shower before changing and heading to bed as he tried to think of what he could do to get Malia to forgive him.

Just as he was about to crash on his bed to sleep he heard a knock at his window and turned to see Derek.

He walked up to the window opening it and letting him in surprised to see him.

"It's been a while" Stiles said as Derek entered

"Yeah, you've been .... occupied. Scott called me..told me what happened" Derek replied leaning against the table

Stiles nodded before furrowing his eyebrows " Wait what do you mean occupied?" 

Derek looked at Stiles raising his eyebrows in response when Stiles's eyes widened in shock.

"Have you ..have you been watching me and Malia?" He hesitated

Derek turned to glare at him "Stiles. She's my cousin. Get your mind out of the gutter. Why would you even think about that?"

"I'm sorry okay but what else did you mean by occupied?" Stiles quipped 

"I saw Malia sneaking in... on and off for a few weeks so I stopped coming" Derek shrugged

"Oh." Stiles replied 

"You look pale" Derek noted looking at his face

"It was the virus, I'm fine now" Stiles replied

"And what about having a gun to your head?" Derek asked

Stiles looked at Derek and sighed before saying "I'm fine, It took a while to get the blood out of hair but I'm fine."

"Yeah you definitely seem fine " Derek replied sarcastically 

Stiles exhaled loudly before rubbing his forehead "What do you want me to say Derek? That I was scared shitless that he would blow my brains out? Or that I hurt the first person I was kinda seeing ? and is no longer talking to me?"

Derek looked down at the floor and then back up at Stiles before saying " Yes, Talking helps."

"That's big coming from you." Stiles retorted "You only talk when necessary, you said that yourself."

"Not anymore" Derek intervened " Not with you..or Scott" he added

Stiles looked at Derek surprised that he was actually talking " Are you dying? Is that why you're suddenly deciding to be honest?"

Derek rolled his eyes "I'm not dying. I don't think I am... at least.... For now"

"Okay, with each sentence, that got worse. You do not sound sure at all. " Stiles said standing up to walk and stopping while he was opposite to Derek " I was joking, hasn't Braeden figured out where Kate is?"

"No, she's in the hospital" Derek said looking out the window " I found her with the rest of Satomi's pack."

"Oh" Stiles replied "What changed majorly since you returned to your ..uhm, normal self?" 

"This " Derek said looking at Stiles and flashing his golden eyes at Stiles.

"Wow" Stiles said taken aback " They've changed"

Derek nodded sighing "I lost my sense of smell, I realised that when I was after the Benefactor with your dad. I couldn't smell blood..and then when Brett scratched me, I healed a lot slower." 

"Kate obviously did something, but we need to figure out what" Stiles said 

"No, not 'we'. Me." Derek replied "This is my problem Stiles, you and Scott need to focus on finding out who's behind the deadpool,I'll be fine"

"You say that and yet every time we meet, your situation seems to get worse" Stiles said throwing his hands up in frustration

"Not your circus, not your monkeys" Derek retorted raising his eyebrows.

Stiles glared at Derek before walking closer "If I had said that back when you were paralyzed in the pool or hit by the wolfsbane bullet " He paused "You would be dead" He said poking Derek in the middle of the chest

"And what did that get you?" Derek said grabbing his finger " It nearly got you dead, multiple times."

"Stay out of this Stiles" Derek said letting go of his finger

Stiles put his hands on his hips and tilted his head "Or what? You're gonna threaten to rip my throat out?" Stiles asked making Derek grin the slightest bit as he looked away

"I know you well enough that you won't do that anymore big guy" Stiles said smacking Derek's shoulder with the back of his hand

Derek grabbed Stiles's wrist twisting it behind his back within a matter of few seconds before leaning close to his ear and saying " I may be losing my powers but I'm still stronger. You really wanna do that to yourself?"

"I know you won't hurt me" Stiles grunted trying to free himself from the grasp as Derek let go of him and took a step back " Focus on yourself for once Stiles. I have Braeden to help me"

Stiles groaned in frustration before throwing a dirty look at Derek who's phone beeped with a notification tone, he picked it up and kept it back in his pocket before saying "It's the hospital, I have to go. Braeden needs me"

Stiles motioned for Derek to go with his hands still a little annoyed and turned around only once he heard a thump outside his window.

Why didn't Derek want his help but was willing to take Braeden's? Stiles thought to himself. He barely knew this girl and Stiles definitely knew Derek better than her.

He rolled his eyes before heading to bed to get some sleep.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Derek walked around the now empty high school wondering what he was doing here again when he heard the faint sound of someone's muffled voice from on the classrooms.

He followed the faint voice running toward the classroom ahead of him noticing Stiles through the glass window, tied up on a chair with a gag in his mouth.

"Stiles!" Derek says trying to open the door when he noticed someone else in the corner of the room.

Stiles's yells through the gag shaking no as Derek tried breaking in by throwing himself against the door.

Derek watched through the window as the man with no mouth came out of the shadows walking towards Stiles an axe in his hand.

"No! Stop!" Derek yelled struggling to open the door as it walked closer to Stiles as tears filled Stiles's eyes trickling down his cheek yelling through the gag.

The muted man walked in front of him the whole while looking at Derek before picking up the axe while Derek yelled No trying to break down the door.

Derek watched helplessly growling in distress as the muted man struck Stiles in the middle of his chest as Derek finally broke down the door and everything felt like it was in slow motion.

Derek ran to Stiles as the muted man escaped through the window, his heart beating out of his chest. as he untied the ropes on his hand and the gag around his mouth,

"Stiles" Derek called out as Stiles collapsed onto him "I..I'm sorry"

"It's okay..."Stiles groaned in pain his mouth filled with blood " It's okay..it doesn't hurt"

"I should've been there to protect you." Derek said his eyes welling up with tears

"You did all that you could. It's....it's okay" Stiles groaned moving his bloodied hand on Derek's arm as Derek tried taking away his pain when he realised his powers weren't working

"Thank you...for everything...Derek" Stiles groaned as his eyes slowly closed Derek still holding onto him.

"No..No no. This can't be happening. Not again" Derek cried out as he watched Stiles's hand fall limp

Derek growled his eyes turning golden as a darkness enveloped him.

Derek opened his eyes his heart beating out of his chest turning to find Braeden by his side. For a second he was confused when he woke up and realised he was dreaming just a while back about nearly losing Stiles.

He pushed the covers aside getting up and walking to the table, worried and confused. Derek wondered if it was possible that he could be the reason Stiles could lose his life? Derek knew that Stiles and Scott were now dragged into this supernatural world thanks to Peter but he held himself responsible too.

He wanted to protect them, mostly Stiles since he was at a bigger risk of losing his life because he was a human. He wondered if Malia was right about running far away from Beacon Hills, but not to hide... to protect... to protect Stiles.... now more than ever because Stiles had somehow grown to become more important to him, was the one helped him control his anger and mellowed him out in the few years he had known him.

He didn't even know when it happened but eventually he stopped associating Stiles with Paige, he wasn't just a ghost of Paige who was back to haunt him about the worst mistake he had made. 

He needed to leave, it was the only way he could to protect Stiles and the rest of the pack.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Derek spent the next few days helping Braeden who was helping the pack with the Benefactor, when he got a call from Scott asking if he could borrow his loft for a few hours because he didn't get enough one on one time with Kira given the circumstances.

Derek agreed and let them spend some time together but before he knew he got an alert on his phone that the loft was broken into.

He and Braeden rushed to the loft to try and figure out what had happened because Scott and Kira weren't picking up their phones, only to find out that they were gone.

"You should inform Stiles" Braeden said looking over at Derek who nodded before dialing his number

"Derek?" Stiles's voice came on the other end

"Stiles get to the loft, it's an emergency. Bring your dad" Derek replied 

"Ok, I'm on my way" Stiles replied ending the call.

In 15 minutes Stiles showed up the loft noticing Derek and Braeden looking around.

"What the hell happened here?" Stiles asked walking towards them as they turned to look at them

"It was supposed to be a date." Derek replied

"They're gone" Braeden replied when Stiles got a call from Lydia

"Yeah hey" Stiles replied

"Scott's missing" Lydia said

"Yeah, we know, but where?" Stiles asked

"To Mexico" Deaton's voice came through the phone " Kate took him where she took Derek. You need to get there if we want to save Scott"

Stiles took a deep breath before saying "Alright I'll figure something out" as he ended the call.

"Deaton says Kate took them to the same church she took you to" Stiles replied pointing at Derek.

"We need to register a complaint, legally." Noah said raising his eyebrows "I need to head to the station."

"I'll come with, I bagged some evidence " Braeden said joining him as they left the loft.

"So we have to go to Mexico again?" Derek asked 

"Yeah, yeah" Stiles sighed "I just need to convince my dad"

"He'll be fine Stiles, Scott" Derek replied 

"Yeah I hope so" Stiles replied swallowing hard and playing with his fingers.

"Are you doing fine?" Stiles asked as Derek walked over to the table urging Stiles to hold the other end

"Mostly fine, except losing my abilities " Derek quipped as they carried the table to the center before they moved to the opposite ends.

"Everything?" Stiles asked when Derek looked up and nodded

" It's a weird feeling, I've always had my powers for the longest time, and I've neve been without it." He continued "I don't know how to live without it, its like.. like" Derek said struggling to find the words

"Like losing a limb." Stiles said looking at Derek who nodded in response

"I know you told me not to but I looked it up and one of the reasons could be a traumatic event and I -" Stiles started

"Stiles." Derek interrupted him as he clenched his jaw "I told you to leave it alone."

"I know but I didn't do much it was just a bit when I couldn't sleep" Stiles replied 

"I don't want you to help." Derek retorted looking at Stiles

Stiles furrowed his eyebrows taken aback "Why are you so against this? Huh?"

Derek looked away crossing his arms across his chest "Because it doesn't concern you." 

Stiles grinned before saying "Are you really saying that? After everything?" throwing his hands up 

"What about when we had just met you and I helped you when you were shot by the wolfsbane bullet? Huh?" Stiles said walking towards Derek

"What about when I harbored your ass in my room when you were wanted by the cops, when I protected you over telling my dad. " Walking closer with every step " When I helped you with the Kanima? You took my help then. Why is it any different now?" Stiles said stopping right in front of Derek who was avoiding eye contact

"You didn't mind taking my help then, What changed now huh?" Stiles asked tilting his head " Or do you no longer have any need for me now that you have Braeden?" He quipped as Derek turned to look at him as he clenched his jaw.

"That's what this is about." Stiles said taking a step back "You no longer need me because you have Braeden and realised I no longer serve you any purpose. "

"Because I'm human." Stiles spat out "And she's an emissary."

"Stiles, That is not why I don't want your help." Derek replied 

"Then what the hell is it Derek?!" Stiles called out crowding his personal space the same way he had when the Alpha pack had attacked in the hospital.

"It's best you don't know." Derek sighed looking away.

Stiles nodded taking a step back and biting his lip " I may not be able to hear heartbeats... but I know when someone is lying to me." 

"You're hiding something." Stiles said swallowing hard as Derek looked at him with a look he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"You finally had it your way, I'm not gonna bother you anymore" Stiles shrugged as he walked towards the exit 

"Stiles.." Derek called out " I didn't do it because I wanted to push you away."

Stiles turned around hanging his head "Unless you can tell me what it is, I'm taking a step back." He said walking towards the exit as Derek stood there hating every moment of it. 

"You know.." Stiles said making Derek look up "I.. I thought I knew you... better." He continued not looking back

"I guess not " Stiles sighed 

Derek sighed before walked up to the entrance shutting the door as Stiles stood in front of him his back faced towards him.

"You do." Derek said his hand still on the door "Do you trust me?"

Stiles sighed turning back and realising it was a mistake because Derek was just inches away. A part of him was glad Derek couldn't hear his heart that was beating way too fast. 

Derek swallowed hard looking between Stiles's eyes feeling a sense of Deja Vu hit him.

Stiles swallowed hard looking between Derek's eyes and lips "Yeah I trust you."

"Then trust me this one time." Derek said taking his hand off of the door but not moving back.

Stiles sighed before nodding as Derek took a step back to let him go. Stiles opened the loft door watching Derek as he shut it.

He drove home in silence feeling a little confused by what had just happened.

The next day Stiles tried his best to convince his dad to let him go to Mexico to save Scott. His dad reluctantly agreed and Stile got busy figuring out the logistics for the rest of the day. 

'Meet at the empty garage at 3p.m' Stiles dropped a text to Derek once he had a solid plan in place.

As they drove towards the garage, Stiles couldn't stop thinking about his best friend and what may have happened to him along with Kira.

Stiles pulled over as he spotted Braeden's van turning around the corner. 

Stiles got out along with Malia and Liam as he watched Braeden get down and join them

"How did you get a prison transport van?" Stiles asked pointing at it

"I'm a U.S Marshal" Braeden replied

"Yeah I just thought that was a cover" He replied when the noise of a car door shutting interrupted them

They turned to see Derek step out with Peter. " Are we really bringing him?" Derek asked pointing at Liam

"Are we really bringing him?" Stiles repeated raising his eyebrows and pointing at Peter

"We're bringing everyone we can" Peter replied "And considering Scott and Kira were taken the night before a full moon, we should probably get going"

"What's that mean ?" Malia said as Stiles narrowed his eyes and looked at Peter with a suspicious look putting his hands on his hips

"If Kate just took back Scott to the same temple that she took Derek, How do you know she's not planning to do the same thing to him?" Peter asked looking between Derek and Stiles.

"What, she wants to make him younger?" Liam asked

"Or take him back to when he wasn't a werewolf" Derek replied

"A werewolf can't steal a true Alpha's power" Peter said "But maybe a Nagual Jaguar with the power of the Tezcatlipoca behind her...Maybe she can"

Stiles furrowed his eyebrows and ran his hands around his mouth even more worried about his friends looking over at Derek who had been shooting him concerned looks the whole time.

"Now if everyone is sufficiently freaked out,I say we get going" Peter snarked

 "We can't" Stiles said "Not without Lydia"

"Now where is she?!" Peter rolled his eyes throwing his hands up in frustration 

"At school, I'll try calling her" Stiles replied walking off to the side.

"Nothing" Stiles replied after a few minutes of trying

"If she has a car she can catch up to us" Braeden replied

"That's a good point" Peter said pointing at Braeden " We'll call her from the road"

"No. What if something happened?" Stiles asked worried "What if she's in trouble?"

" Fine. you stay. You find here" Peter replied "We're gonna go on without you"

"I could call Mason" Liam suggested as Stiles shot Peter a dirty look "He has a study group at school, Maybe he could look for her"

Stiles looked at Derek with concern while Derek raised his eyebrows in response in an attempt to convince him

Stiles sighed and agreed reluctantly.

Eventually, they decided Stiles, Derek, and Liam would be in Braeden's van while Malia and the others were with Peter.

Stiles gave Malia some words of encouragement to Malia and told her not to talk to Peter when he was interrupted by Derek calling him. He said goodbye to her before joining them.

"Sorry" Stiles muttered as he sat beside Derek and shutting the van door.

"You are going to see her again, I forget how teenagers are when they're in love" Derek quipped

Stiles furrowed his eyebrows giving Derek a funny look "We're not in love."

"Doesn't seem like it " Derek replied 

Stiles pinched his eyebrows together confused before saying " Is this your way of saying you don't want me dating your cousin?"

"I didn't say that." He replied

"So what? You just dislike people dating unless it's you?" Stiles quipped given their previous conversation.

"Let it go Stiles" Derek replied

"Fine" Stiles replied annoyed as Derek pulled out a pair of handcuffs reaching over to cuff Liam's hand to the side of the van.

Derek reached into his pocket and held out the Hale talisman he had got from the loft "I brought something to help you."

"This has been in my family for centuries, it's a very powerful supernatural talisman. They use it to teach betas how to control themselves on a full moon" Derek said earning a funny look from Stiles who knew he was bullshitting.

He looked at the talisman in Liam's hand furrowing his eyebrows and opened his mouth to say something before turning to look between Derek's eyes and lips as Derek looked at him making a face that said convince him.

Stiles relaxed his eyebrows and looked at Derek before saying "Yes it's powerful" he cleared his throat before looking at Liam and saying

"It's very powerful" earning both him and Derek a funny look from Liam.

Derek sighed looking over at Stiles communicating with his eyebrows while Stiles just responded with a shrug.

They sat in silence for the next few hours, the awkward tension piling on between the two of them neither of them willing to say anything after the conversation they had the previous night.

Before they knew it , the sun went down and Liam started to loose control as he growled.

"Whatever it is you want to teach , I think you better do it now" Liam growled his eyes flashing yellow

"Liam each spiral means something." Derek said "It's reminder that we can always fall back to one and rise to another."

"Alpha, Beta Omega" Stiles said continuing what Derek was saying and heling him out when Liam started growling and lashing out losing control of his shift.

"Uh Derek I don't think the super-powerful talisman is working," Stiles said worried 

"You know any other Mantras?!" Derek called out holding Liam back

"Actually yeah I do" Stiles replied "Liam, What 3 things cannot be long hidden?" 

Liam growled as he lost control. "Liam, What 3 things cannot be long hidden?" Stiles repeated, "What 3 things?"

As Liam finally regained control, he repeated" Sun. Moon and the Truth"

"Good now say it again" Stiles encouraged him

" Sun. Moon and the truth" Liam repeated calming down.

Stiles breathed a sigh of relief and patted Derek's arm as they shared a look.

"Are you injured?" Derek asked 

"No, You?" Stiles asked 

"No" Derek replied as they settled into an awkward silence again.

"We're here," Braeden said slowing down as she pulled over the van.

Stiles was about to stand up when Derek placed a hand on his chest stopping him "Let me get out first, in case there's any danger."

Stiles rolled his eyes as Derek went ahead of him to open the door when he was attacked by a Berserker.

"Derek!" Stiles called out as Braeden fired shots at it one after another. Stiles jumped out of the van his eyes widening worried about Derek since he knew Derek took a longer time too heal, Every cell in his body was urging him to go check on Derek who had collapsed a little ahead when Braeden rushed over to him making him stop in his tracks.

"Derek" Peter called out walking closer "How bad is it?" 

"I'm fine I'm fine, Just get to Scott" Derek grunted trying to reassure everyone as he lay there breathing hard 

"Just find him, We'll be right behind you" Derek said "Go."

Stiles looked at Derek his heartbeat quickening because he could see that Derek wasn't healing and the wound was critical, His fight or flight response now in high alert.

"Go!" Derek yelled as they all slowly turned to go

"Hey, Hey" Derek said watching as Stiles hesitated to leave him " Save him." 

Stiles swallowed hard looking at Derek and back at the church before taking a deep breath and turning to leave as Derek's eyes followed his.

He stopped mid way turning back to look at Derek fearing this might be the last time he would see him alive. Derek nodded at him urging him to go and that it was the right choice, Stiles's eyes widened as he came to a realisation that he was scared to lose Derek.

He turned away as his eyes welled up before rushing in.

By the end of the night, they had managed to save Scott and Kira while Derek evolved into a full blown wolf and attacked Kate. Stiles breathed a sigh of relief as he watched Derek transform from the wolf to his usual self. 

The sun started to rise as they all walked out of the church. Derek looked over at Stiles who was standing next to Malia checking on her when he sighed and walked over to Braeden to help her with loading the guns. before heading over to where Stiles was. Stiles noticed Derek walking towards him and turns to meet him halfway.

"So?" Stiles said 

"So, I'm leaving" Derek replied raising his eyebrows

"Leaving where?" Stiles asked furrowing his brows

"Leaving Beacon Hills" Derek replied as he heard the change in Stiles's heartbeat confirming that he was making the right decision to leave. He knew that leaving meant that Stiles would be safe, away from most of this supernatural world, from coming all the way to Mexico and having too many close calls ever since he ran into Derek.

"Oh." Stiles replied swallowing hard

"I need to Stiles. "Derek urged as Stiles just bit his lip nodding along

"So you've made your decision " Stiles said looking at Derek with a blank expression 

"Stiles I-" Derek started when Stiles interrupted him "Good luck Derek, I hope you find what you're looking for" 

Derek sighed as Stiles turned to join Malia.

Derek watched as Chris left with the Calaveras and walked towards the front of the van looking over at Scott and Kira who was joined by Stiles and Malia.

Derek looked over at Stiles one last time smiling as Stiles just looked at him like he was wondering if he was truly leaving. 

Derek looked away as Stiles looked at him with a hurt expression in his eyes joining Braeden as they drove off, Stiles's face and the way he looked at him when he left haunting him, like he just got the wind knocked out of him.

"Derek?" Braeden said interrupting his thoughts

Derek turned to look at her "You okay?" She asked while Derek nodded in response.

Stiles had watched Derek looking at him one last time feeling a sting in his chest that Derek hadn't thought of telling him until the last minute. He sighed as a sinking feeling in his stomach settled, knowing that they hadn't left things in the best terms, their conversation from the previous night still making him feel uneasy.

He joined his friends as they chattered on about everything that had happened the whole ride back while Stiles chose to remain silent.

Chapter Text

After Derek had left , He had pretty much gone no contact with everyone in Beacon Hills including Stiles. Stiles waited for a week, then two and before he knew it, it was nearly the end of summer and he heard nothing from Derek. He didn't want to text Derek anymore after their last conversation where Stiles told him he wouldn't bother him anymore because it felt like Derek was pushing him away.

All the while Stiles thought he and Derek understood each other even if they didn't talk much or have some sort of a brotherly bond like Scott and Derek did, but after their last conversation, Stiles decided to give Derek the benefit of the doubt which was quite literally hanging by a thread, given the no call and texts for almost 2 months.

Soon, Stiles decided being sour about the way Derek had left wasn't going to do him any good and decided to distract himself by looking into colleges where he, Scott, Malia, Kira and Lydia could be together or at least tried figuring out the logistics to try and make sure they were all close.

He hated that things were changing and wanted to do his best to try and keep all of them close even if they were going their separate ways. After his conversation with his dad who told him he wasn't in touch with any of his high school friends, his worries just got worse.

He considered all of them the best people in his life, it made no sense to him that they would let this go. So he urged all of them to come to the high school on the last day of summer with a plan, when all of a sudden a guy claiming to be their friend from years ago, Theo showed up to save Scott out of the blue when he was attacked.

Stiles had his suspicions on this guy for a long time but let it go because he trusted Scott's judgement. 

As they all headed towards the library, Stiles smiled looking at all of them together, wishing Allison  and Isaac were there to join them. 

One by one as they all signed their names, Stiles walked over when it was his turn ready to sign when something caught his eye. He looked over at the initials scribbled over and saw one that stood out, like it was calling to him.

'D.H'. He blinked in disbelief before smiling to himself and signing his name before handing it to Lydia.

Once Scott was done, Stiles looked over at Scott and said "She would have been with us"

"Yeah." Scott replied 

"She still is." Lydia replied giving a sad smile

They all stood there quietly for a while before heading out to their respective homes.

Stiles drove home in silence satisfied that he managed to accomplish what he wanted. As he pulled up to his driveway, he pulled out his wallet from his pocket to unlock the door when another pair of keys fell down. He picked it up after unlocking the door, looking at it and sighing before placing it back into the hidden compartment in his wallet walking into the quiet house.

He hadn't gone to the loft since Derek left even though he knew Derek wouldn't have a problem if Stiles decided to go here, but he knew he didn't want to because it would mean he would have to venture into territory he was clearly avoiding.

He didn't understand why it bothered only him so much that Derek left without communicating it to anyone but Braeden apparently, when he didn't hear anything from Derek, he just about convinced himself to dial Derek's number and give him a earful when he decided he was going to keep from texting or calling Derek until he heard from him.

He was proud of himself for stopping himself even when he wanted to just drop a random text to Derek about some new supernatural creature he had found while scouring through his books.

He sighed taking his ADHD medication before bed and going to sleep.

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The next day at school while Theo tried to convince Scott of his innocence and how he was bit, Stiles questioned him calling him out about lying while Theo acted innocent the whole time.

Stiles rolled his eyes observing Scott as Theo spoke about how he had a asthma attack and how Scott helped him.

"We have to give people the benefit of the doubt okay?" Scott said once Theo had left

"No. Not this time okay" Stiles said " i can feel it, something is off about him."

"Lydia's the psychic, not you" Scot said walking away as Stiles looked at him in disbelief

"Lydia's not psychic, she's a banshee okay?" Stiles called out "There's a difference."

Later, Stiles headed to the library after doing his research on Theo trying to prove it everyone. When they didn't believe him, he just gave up in frustration, deciding to do it alone when he had a passing thought.

Derek would've believed him. 

Stiles and Derek may not always see eye to eye but one thing they agreed on was that not trusting people immediately. He sighed walking away before grabbing Liam to help him.

After wandering through the woods and confronting Theo, Stiles's suspicions only got worse because Theo had mentioned that he was there not only for Scott but also Stiles.

When he went back to his jeep, he saw Scott standing there and tried to start the jeep when the engine sputtered and stalled.

He jumped out to try and figure out what was wrong and opened it up to check the engine.

"Stiles?" Scott called out

"I'll be with you in a sec, Try it" Stiles told Liam.

"Stiles" Scott called out again as the engine sputtered

"Yes, okay? We followed him out here?" Stiles retorted "What do you want me to say?"

"Now you're gonna try to at least give him the benefit of the doubt?" Scott asked as Stiles went back to trying to fix the jeep

"I give people the benefit of the doubt, I've given a lot of benefit to a lot of people" Stiles snapped going back to the task at hand

"Like Derek?" Scott replied making Stiles stop in his track, before Scott continued "Kira? Liam?"

"I was right about Peter" Stiles replied

"You know I bet you still think that there's something about him that can be saved" Stiles quipped sounding annoyed

"Maybe." Scott said 

Stile hit the engine exhaling in frustration "Try it again" Stiles said 

Liam tried starting the engine as it sputtered before stopping.

"Why can't you trust anyone?" Scott asked 

"Because you trust everyone!" Stiles yelled at Scott before punching the engine in frustration injuring himself shouting in pain before biting his lip to stop himself from crying out in pain.

"Are you okay?" Scott asked concerned

"I'm fine" Stiles lied 

"You could've broken it." Scott said

"It's not broken." Stiles said 

"Let me see it" Scott urged

"I'm fine " Stiles repeated holding up his hand

"Let me see it" Scott repeated as Stile reluctantly moved his hand as Scott held it taking away the pain and just then the engine puttered before it worked. 

"Are you sure you're okay?" Scott asked again

"I'm fine" Stiles replied "I'll drop Liam back, I have to head home."

Scott nodded letting him go as Liam stayed silent the whole way through. He had never seen Stiles angry and this was a first so he just thanked Stiles when he was dropped off as Stiles drove back home.

Stiles headed straight to his room to try and figure out what the hell Theo wanted when he had a talk with his dad who told him that time will reveal if he truly is guilty as Stiles says.

Stiles knew it wasn't just the frustration of Scott trusting Theo so easily that just blew up today, it had a lot to do with the pent up frustration of having Derek walk away like he didn't care about Beacon Hills, or anyone in it.

He swallowed hard before going back to his board trying to connect the dots about Theo's sudden appearance before he got tired and decided to retire for the night.

Stiles spent the next few days helping Scott and the pack figure out what was going on with Tracy and why there were constant attacks on the supernatural creatures in Beacon Hills. They found out eventually that Lucas along with a few others were responsible for these bizarre mix up of supernatural creatures that were half werewolf , half kanima and sometimes half scorpion.

Stiles remined suspicious of Theo who somehow showed up once again at the right time as all of them lay paralyzed saying Scott needed to trust him. Stiles ventured into the now abandoned library trying to find clues when he felt a hand on his shoulder before he was attacked by Donovan.

After trying his best, Stiles climbed onto the iron rods that were being held up, unscrewing them. He pushed down a bunch of rods which impaled the boy killing him, Stiles got down worried, his breath shaking as he looked at the kid, recognising him as the boy who had threatened his father at the station few days back.

He stood there in disbelief of what he had just done his heart beating out of his chest as his eyes welled up with tears, He called 911 but was unable to talk, his voice stuck in his throat before he hung up and rushed out scared about what was going to happen.

He reversed his jeep into the dark as he heard the familiar sound of police sirens, breathing hard as he watched the policeman enter the building tapping on the steering wheel anxiously and turned on the police walkie talkie to hear that there was no one in there.

He rushed back in once the officer left to find no one there as if nothing had happened, but as he reached over to the metal bars he touched it and looked at his fingers noticing the blood.

He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion before swallowing hard and heading back home to try and figure out what the hell had just happened and if someone had stolen the body.

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Stiles spent the next few days helping out the pack figure out what was going on with the Dread Doctors and in a surprising turn of events, Theo managed to save him from a Chimera.

Despite saving him, Stiles remained suspicious of Theo and his intentions, When Stiles decided to talk to Scott about what had just happened, Theo managed to convince him to conceal the truth about what had happened from Scott.

He decided to work together with Theo to try and figure out who was stealing the dead Chimeras, when someone broke in and stole Josh's body.

Deciding not to trust Theo anymore, he worked with Lydia to find out that Parrish was in fact the one stealing the bodies of the Chimera. He headed home after a long day feeling exhausted as he crashed on his bed when he got a call from an unknown number.

He furrowed his eyebrows debating if he should pick up the call before swiping his thumb across the screen to answer the call.

"Hello?" Stiles said 

"You pick up calls from random numbers?" A familiar voice came on the other end

Stiles furrowed his eyebrows for a second before rolling his eyes when he realised who it was "Yeah I'm waiting for China to call" he replied 

"What business do you have with China?" He asked

"Not your concern" Stiles said as a comfortable silence settled over them

"How have you been?" Derek asked 

"Mostly ok, What's with the new number?" Stiles asked 

"I was helping Braeden find a pack of wolves when I was attacked and my phone broke." Derek replied 

"And it took you two months to get a new one?" Stiles quipped

Derek sighed on the other end " No, I didn't think it was too important until I reached Cora's place and she gave me an earful about not responding to her texts." 

"Like how you thought it wasn't important for you to tell me you were leaving until the very last minute?" Stiles said feeling salty

"You're upset" Derek replied 

"I'm not upset, I'm mad" Stiles said annoyed " You told me to trust you when you didn't want my help and then just left. What the hell were you thinking?"

"I wasn't thinking, It was a last minute decision" Derek replied " I should've told you, I-"

"No. You don't get to make excuses, you don't to get to ask me to trust you or give you the benefit of the doubt" Stiles responded annoyed " I gave you the benefit of the doubt, and you left. When I said I thought I knew you better you told me I did, after everything, you still choose to leave. I don't want to give you the benefit of the doubt, I'm tired of giving people the benefit of the doubt, When is it time they trust me?!" Stiles spat out all his pent up anger

Derek stayed quiet for a while before saying " This isn't entirely about me leaving is it?"

Stiles swallowed hard " Not.. not entirely...but I'm still pretty pissed off at you" 

"You have every right to be" Derek replied " But there's something else bothering you." 

Stiles didn't respond instead turning around and placing his phone on the pillow pressing the speaker button as he told him everything that had been happening the last few weeks.

"So this Theo guy seems suspicious?" Derek asked

"Yeah, if you were here, you would see it too" Stiles replied "It's like he's trying too hard to be on Scott's good side and he is conveniently there to save us at the right time.. It's just something is not right.. like.."

"a wolf in sheep's clothing?" Derek questioned 

Stiles smirked before saying "Yeah exactly. The worst part is Scott decided to trust him right away, I yelled at him... I think this was probably the first time."

"You felt like he wasn't listening to you" Derek said

"Yeah.. lately it feels like no one trusts my judgement" Stiles replied " Scott just thinks I'm distrustful of people."

"Aren't you?" Derek asked

"I am, but for the right reasons" Stiles replied "You should know that. You didn't trust me and Scott right off the bat did you?"

"Yeah" Derek replied " I understand why you would be, That's one thing we'd agree on."

Stiles sighed "I know, I feel like things would be different if you were here. At least Scott would hear you out if you were to back me up or saw what I did."

Derek stayed quiet for a while before saying "I can "

"What?" Stiles asked confused 

"I can come " Derek repeated as Stiles sat up on his bed surprised at what he just heard

"What why? " Stiles asked 

"Cause you said it might help" Derek said

"Oh" Stiles replied taken aback "No, no, it's okay, I'll be fine, I was just.. voicing my... thoughts out loud."

"Are you sure?" Derek asked 

"Yes of course, spend time with Cora, Tell her I said hi" Stiles replied yawning

"Get some sleep" Derek replied "This is going to be my new number from now"

"You've called the others?" Stiles asked settling into the bed yawning again

"No, just you." Derek replied 

"Hmm, nice" Stiles murmured half-asleep "Why?" 

Derek waited for a while before saying "Cause it's you." and ending the call.

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Stiles woke up to his shoulder burning and moved his shirt to see the familiar mark, He sighed swallowing hard before getting ready for the day to try and find the Nemeton with Lydia's help who eventually gave up saying she would go talk to Parrish about it directly while Stiles headed back to school as he got a text from Theo.

"If Lydia finds the Nematon, she's also going to find Donovan" Theo said as Stiles turned stopping in his tracks looking at Theo in disbelief

"Sorry" Theo said looking around

"She's also gonna find Josh" Stiles pointed out

"You know what. maybe she should" Theo said while Stiles just seemed surprised

"I think things are now different for Scott" He continued "Especially after what he did to Corey, I don't think he's gonna blame us for defending ourselves."

"I know he won't blame you" Theo said 

Stile sighed looking behind him to see his body impaled on the bar with mercury and blood dripping from his mouth blinking before turning to face Theo realising it was just a hallucination. 

Stiles agreed still debating if it was a good idea.

Unbeknownst to Stiles, Once Theo and Scott were alone, Theo manipulated the story about Stiles killing Donovan and Scott hearing Theo's heartbeat, convinced himself that it was true.

Scott rushed into the hospital realising that Corey was missing and knew that meant he had to look for Hayden. By the time they reached, the damage was already done and they headed over to the animal clinic to try and figure out what happened. Theo dropped at text to Stiles asking him to bring Malia and Lydia and head over to the animal clinic.

As Scott pulled up to the animal clinic, it started raining and he noticed Stiles walking towards him as he stepped out.

"I couldn't get in touch with Lydia or Malia" Stiles said as Scott remained silent

Stiles furrowed his eyebrows panting "Scott?" He called out

Scott reached into his pocket and pulled out a wrench holding it out as Stiles's heartbeat sped up.

"Where did you get that?" Stiles enquired

"This is yours?" Scott asked

Stiles looked away for a second before reaching forward and grabbing it from him to inspect it.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Scott asked

"I was going to" Stiles said still looking at wrench

"Why didn't you tell me when it happened?" Scott asked again

"I couldn't" Stiles said looking up

"You killed him?" Scott asked "You killed Dononvan?"

"Well, he was going to kill my dad" Stiles said furrowing his eyebrows "Huh? Was I just supposed to let him?"

"You weren't supposed to do this." Scott called out "None of us are"

Stiles looked at him in disbelief at what he just heard "You think I had a choice?" He asked

"There's always a choice" Scott called out 

"Yeah well I can't do what you can, Scott" Stiles retorted " I know you wouldn't have done it."

"You probably would've figured something out right?" Stiles asked furrowing his eyebrows 

"I'd try" Scott responded

"Yeah, because you're Scott McCall!" Stiles yelled back "You're the true Alpha! Guess what? All of us can't be true alphas. Some of us have to make mistakes, Some of us have to get our hands bloody sometimes"

"Some of us are human!" Stiles yelled at him

"So, you had to kill him?" Scott asked again while Stiles just stood there not believing what he was hearing

"Scott he was going to kill my dad." Stiles called out angrily 

"But the way that it happened" Scott said "There's a point when it's, it's not self- defense anymore!" He yelled

"What are you even talking about?!" Stiles called out "I didn't have a choice Scott!"

"You don't believe me do you?" Stiles asked 

"I want to" Scott replied

"Okay, alright so believe me then" Stiles called out "Scott, say you believe me"

Scott hesitated and stayed quiet looking away "Say it" Stiles repeated talking a step closer " Say you believe me."

"Stiles we can't kill people we are trying to save" Scott said 

Stiles clenched his jaw exhaling before walking closer "Say you believe me" He said taking a step closer as Scott took a step back looking at the wrench in his hand

Stiles looked at Scott and then back at wrench, realising Scott was scared of what he would do.

"We can't kill people!" Scott called out "Do you believe that?"

Stiles looked at him in disbelief before saying "Well, what do I do about this? What do you want me to do Okay, jus be.. Tell me how I can fix this , all right?"

"Please, just tell me what do you want me to do?" Stiles asked

"Don't worry about Malia or Lydia,We'll find them" Scott replied "Maybe... maybe you should talk to your dad." He said before walking into the clinic leaving Stiles alone in the rain watching his best friend leave because he didn't trust him.

He stood there swallowing hard trying to process everything that had just happened before driving back home in frustration when his jeep broke down again. 

He grunted in frustration opening the engine and grabbing his tool box before opening up the hood trying to fix it desperately before giving up in anger and throwing a wrench at his jeep before breaking down and falling by the side of the jeep holding his head with his hands

He stayed there when he heard his phone buzz in his pocket.

He looked at the caller id which read Dad, he silenced the phone before resting his head on the jeep sighing because he knew he would have to talk to his dad about everything that happened, when he heard his phone buzzing again a few minutes later. 

He was going to silence his phone when it read 'Derek'. He debated picking it up before pursing his lips and answering it choosing to remain silent

"Stiles?" Derek's voice came on the other end as Stiles remained quiet.

"Stiles are you okay?" Derek asked concerned  "I had called Malia earlier and she told me that it felt like something was off with you and Scott."

"I killed someone" Stiles whispered his voice shaking as he said it ,Derek remained silent.

"To protect yourself? " Derek asked 

"Yeah.. uhm..in self defence" Stiles said sounding surprised "How..how'd you know?"

"Cause I know you, you're not the kind of person who'd just kill someone." Derek replied "What happened?"

Stiles explained the whole situation to Derek including the fight he just had with Scott.

"So... do you still believe me?" Stiles asked chewing on his lip nervously worried about the response he would get

"Yes " Derek replied "Of course I do."

Stiles pursed his lips his breath shaking because someone finally believed in him, even if it wasn't his best friend.

"Stiles, Whatever you did, you did to protect your father. Your only family" Derek responded " Scott doesn't know what it is like to lose a parent or in my case a sibling. But I do, and when I found out my sister was alive.. I was willing to do anything to protect her. That's all you did. You didn't do anything wrong."

"I..don't know if I can convince Scott of that" Stiles said "He ...He looked like he was scared of me."

"What do you mean?" Derek asked

"When...When I had the wrench in my hand and asked him if he believed me...I took a step closer and ...he took a step back." Stiles said swallowing hard "He looked at me like I was a monster."

"You're not a monster Stiles" Derek said "Far from it. I know you."

"How is it that you, who's known me for around 3 years or so , can trust me but my best friend can't?" Stiles called out

"He will come around" Derek said " Knowing this, Theo guy.. he probably manipulated the story."

"Even if he did.." Stiles said sniffling " He should've believed me. His best friend, but he chose to believe a guy he knew for a few seconds."

"I know Stiles, I'm sorry this is happening " Derek said " I know it can't be easy.. but you need to work with your dad or Malia, and figure this out."

Stiles swallowed hard nodding " Yeah..yeah I know. I just.. need to be alone for some time. I don't want to go home." 

"Go to the loft" Derek said 

"What?" Stiles asked confused

"Go to the loft, You'll be alone and safe. " Derek said "You still have the keys right?"

"Uhm..Yeah" Stiles said standing up

"Stay there as long as you'd like. Just tell your dad first" Derek said 

"Okay...I'll..I'll do that. Thanks Derek" Stiles replied 

"Don't thank me, just.. be safe" Derek replied "Call me or text me when you feel better."

"Yeah.. I will" Stiles said before ending the call and heading over to the loft.

He unlocked the door taking in the familiar sight before sighing and shutting the door. He dropped a text to his dad telling him he was fine and not to worry about him before heading over the couch and crashing on it. 

He sighed staring up at the dark ceilings, the room being illuminated by just the moonlight. He set an alarm for 5 a.m and before he knew it, his eyes felt heavy as he dozed off.

He woke up a few hours later to find the room illuminated by just the smallest hint of sunlight, as he got up rubbing his eyes. He called the towing company and then Malia before heading over to the spot where he had left his jeep.

He dropped a text to Derek as he stood by his jeep waiting for Malia to arrive.

'Thanks for letting me stay @ the loft.' Stiles replied as he watched his jeep being towed away with Malia arriving shortly after

After an awkward conversation, Malia dropped Stiles off at the station .

"You want me to go in with you?" Malia asked as she pulled over at the station

"No it's okay, it's probably going to take a while" Stiles replied

Malia sighed as Stiles was just about to step out " Are you going to tell him about Donovan?"

Stiles closed the door confused "You knew?" 

"I guessed" She replied " I saw the bite on your shoulder while you were sleeping"

Stiles looked away grabbing the shoulder where the mark was looking nervous.

"It didn't matter to me." Malia said "That's why I never said anything"

"It matters to me " He said furrowing his eyebrows looking at Malia before stepping out and walking away when he got a notification for a text message from Derek.

'Don't thank me. You can use the loft whenever you need a break'

'Don't worry about Scott. He'll come around'

Stiles sighed before typing back 'I hope so' and heading inside

When he entered the station to find his dad missing, he heard the fire alarms go off when suddenly everything seemed to move in slow motion as Parrish seemed to be walking towards the exit in a trance. The deputies all held up their guns in defense while Stiles yelled out at them to stop and put their guns down.

He followed Parrish out trying to figure out where he was going and what he planned to do. Once he saw Parrish leave in a police van, he picked up his phone to try and call for help when he heard a vehicle pulling up behind him and seeing Theo step out.

"Sorry I got here as fast as I could" Theo said

"We gotta go. Now. Parrish has got the bodies" Stiles said walking towards him

"Okay, Wait up. Stiles, Wait" Theo said

"Parrish is out and he's got the bodies" Stiles said opening up the door "We've got to find Scott, We've got to tell him" 

"Stiles!" Theo said grabbing Stiles attention as he shut the door and walked up to Theo

"I don't think Scott wants to talk to you right now." Theo said 

"Yeah, thanks I'm aware of that" Stiles said "It doesn't matter, he needs to know about this"

"Stiles..." Theo persisted "Scott doesn't want to talk to you"

Stiles walked closer wondering what Theo had up his sleeve " But I think your dad does" He said holding up his id

"Your dad was looking for you Stiles" Theo said turning around "He found me instead"

"Where is he?" Stiles asked worried

"I covered for you" Theo said walking away "This was taken care of"

"Did you hurt him? " Stiles asked

"I never lied about why I came to Beacon Hills" Theo said shaking his head "I came here for a pack"

When Theo went on his rant about why he wanted to join the pack trying to trigger Stiles, Stiles listened trying to stay calm.

"You've got more blood on your hands than anyone" Theo quipped as Stiles's heartbeat quickened

"Yeah I'm about to get more" Stiles threatened Theo who continued to try his best to get Stiles angry

Stiles punched Theo across the face as Theo held his nose before smirking and looking back at him 

He yelled out "There he is, Void Stiles, It felt good didn't it?" 

Stiles's anger built and finally he clenched his fist and punched Theo across the jaw watching as he fell on his back grunting in pain.

"We won't tell Scott" Theo spat out still on the floor "Cause you can't loose your best friend right?"

"Even though we both know you don't need him" He continued as Stiles paced back and forth before Stiles grabbed Theo by the collar as he continued to try and poison Stiles's mind.

Stiles finally let go of him and getting into his jeep driving back and calling Derek on the way.

"I punched him. Twice" Stiles replied as Derek picked up the call "I punched him and nearly broke his nose and It felt good."

"Theo?" Derek asked

"Yeah " Stiles said panting " He just kept going on and on about me being Void Stiles and about liking the power, trying to say some shit about Scott... I had enough with him and I just lost it"

"If he is manipulating Scott and everyone else, He deserved it" Derek replied as Stiles sighed staying quiet " You shouldn't feel guilty"

"Stiles, Are you okay?" Derek asked concerned

"I don't know" Stiles said biting his lip " I'm not someone who's violent, I hate being violent or even resorting to it. He just...he's bringing out the worst in me. Like he said..I feel like.. I'm back to hurting people like I did when I was possessed by the Nogitsune."

"Stiles, That's not true, it's not who you are and as much as he is trying, he seems to be failing at it." Derek said " You are not the Nogitsune , nowhere close."

"My best friend decided to trust a guy he's known for 5 minutes over me, My dad..he's in the hospital.. I feel like I've lost everyone close to me" Stiles said swallowing hard

"You have me" Derek said taking Stiles by surprise despite his anxious state,

"He says from 100s of kilometers away" Stiles quipped 

"I did offer to come." Derek said " You refused."

"You told me that it was your battle when you were losing your powers, this is mine" Stiles replied " Your decision to move away from Beacon Hills seems better by the second."

"You're seriously considering leaving?" Derek asked 

"After this, yeah." Stiles replied "After the Nogitsune the only thing keeping me sane here was because I had my friends to turn to, What's the point of staying here if your own best friend doesn't trust you?" 

"He'll come around Stiles, I'm sure he will." Derek said "And my offer to come back is still up Stiles."

"Why are you being this way all of a sudden?" Stiles asked blinking in surprise

Derek sighed "Because I know what it feels like to be misunderstood and feel like the odds are stacked against you. I don't want you to be alone."

Stiles swallowed hard his lip shaking nervously as he thought about his dad

"Stiles?" Derek asked as a tear ran down his cheek

"You sure you're gonna be okay?" Derek asked 

"I'll be fine ..I've reached the hospital" Stiles reassured "I've gotta go, I'll talk to you later." Stiles said

"You're dad is going to be fine Stiles, Call me if you need anything." Derek replied

"Yeah I ..I will" Stiles said ending the call and rushing into the hospital.

When Stiles was trying to figure out the details of the insurance Melissa interrupted saying she would take care of it and telling Stiles she would inform everyone when Stiles urged her not to.

Stiles sat alone waiting anxiously as his heart pacing, time seemed to pass pretty slowly as he sat there worried about his father, his eyes welling up with tears.

After what seemed like hours of anxiously waiting, the doctor called Stiles and briefed him and Melissa about his dad.

"Two hours ago he was fine, Now it looks like somebody took a baseball bat to his neck." Stiles called out after the doctor informed him that they did the best they could.

"There could've been some minor internal" The doctor said 

"Did you say minor internal?" Stiles asked worried "Since when is anything internal minor?"

"Stiles.." Melissa said trying to calm him.

"I need to know what's going on with him, Okay?" Stile snapped "Dr. Geyer somebody needs to tell me what's happening."

Stiles exhaled before repeating " Somebody needs to tell me what's happening to him!" He yelled

Melissa hesitated for minute before saying " We don't know." Stiles looked over her shoulder to notice Scott standing a few feet away at the door watching his dad and all he saw was red.

Before he knew it, he was walking and pushing the door while Scott turned to look at him. Stiles grabbed him pushing him against the wall before throwing him down on the floor and grabbing his collar .

"Where were you?" Stiles asked angrily "You trusted him. You believed him" he said angrily 

"Right huh?" Stiles asked again "So where were you? Where the hell were you?!" Stiles yelled before he was being pulled back by nurses and doctors who separated them, yelling at him to stop it before he calmed down a little not resisting anymore.

"Okay, Alright alright " Stiles said

"Look, your dad's not the only one that got hurt" Scott replied 

"Oh, you'll heal" Stiles called out noticing the small red stain on his shirt

"I'm not talking about me" Scott said adjusting his jacket when he realised Scott was talking about Lydia.

When he went to check up on her, Lydia's mom yelled at him to get out blaming him for her condition but he managed to tell her to look at the back of her neck before heading over to get help.

Reluctantly, Stiles heard what Scott had to say as they discussed the plan with the rest of the pack.They spent the rest of the night trying to figure out a way to stop Theo when Stiles suggested talking to him the next day before going back out to the waiting area and saw a text notification from Derek.

'How's your dad?'

'Not good, he's been poisoned, internal injuries' He typed back before swallowing hard and sitting quietly as his mind rand rampant with thoughts of losing his father, after a while Melissa came up to him with a tray of food urging him to eat something to keep up his energy before forcing him to at least take rest.

He checked his phone to find a notification from Derek and 2 missed calls.

'Call me' Derek's text read.

Stiles called up Derek stepping out for a minute as he heard Derek's voice on the other end "Stiles?"

"Yeah" Stiles said weakly

"He's gonna be okay " Derek replied " I know this is hard, but he's your dad. He's gonna fight back."

Stiles eyes welled up with tears recalling what his dad had said to him at his mothers funeral, You still got me.

"I can't... lose another parent" Stiles said his voice breaking

"You won't, okay?" Derek reassured " You're not going to lose your dad and I'm going to check for flights out."

Stiles sniffled "No, no, things are really bad here because of Theo, if he gets you involved, I could never forgive myself" 

"Stiles.." Derek called out 

"No, please, just... just keep yourself safe. I'll..I'll be fine" Stiles said "I just.. I put my hands on Scott, for the first time.I didn't..didn't hit him but..." His voice trailed off

"You are angry and upset" Derek said " Fights like this are pretty common among teenagers."

Stiles stayed silent for a while when Derek said " Stiles, Are you sure you don't want me to come?"

"Yeah...I..I have a plan..I'll be fine" Stiles said " I haven't been home in like 2 days and I am so fucking exhausted. "

"Go home and take some rest, I'm sure Melissa will call you if there is any update on your father." Derek said

"No..No.. I can't go back home. Not right now..when my dad is.. he's not there, It's just gonna remind me of him." Stiles said pinching his eyebrows together

"Ok... then stay at the loft, for a few hours. You haven't slept properly in 3 days and your body is gonna need sleep to function properly." 

"Okay" Stiles said not having the energy to go on "I've gotta go. I'll call you later"

"Ok, Take care of yourself." Derek said "Again, Call-"

"Me if you need" Stiles repeated smiling the slightest bit "I know Derek, Thank you." Stiles sniffled before ending the call and going to check on his dad before heading to the loft. It was close to the hospital so Stiles knew he would be able to reach in case he had to rush to the hospital.

He walked into the familiar place sighing before plugging his phone for charging and crashing on the sofa, still feeling uneasy to use Derek's bed. He tried to keep his anxious thoughts at bay by doing some breathing exercises trying to pace himself.

He dropped a text to Derek and Lydia hoping she would be able to read it before setting an alarm and falling asleep.

Stiles opened his eyes to find himself back in his house, standing a little away from the dining table to see a familiar scene.

"Stiles, Dinner is ready!" A familiar voice said grabbing his attention as he turned to look at the lady wearing an apron holding an oven dish in her hand placing it on the table.

"Mom?" Stiles said his voice shaking when he was interrupted by a child running into the room past him like he wasn't there.

"Slow down young man" Another voice said entering the room "The foods not going anywhere " Noah said pulling out the chair and helping his son sit down 

"I made your favourite" Claudia said smiling as she removed the apron and sat down with them "Chicken pot pie"

"Yayy!" Young Stiles yelled out "Thanks mum"

"You're welcome sweetheart" Claudia said leaning down to place a kiss on his forehead as they held hands to pray.

Stiles watched from afar tears in his eyes, he remembered it like it was yesterday. Before he knew it the room was spinning and he fell back in surprise.

He looked around to see he was back at the party from few years back when they were all forced to face their worst fears.

"It's you" His dad said bottle in his hand "I thought how the hell am I supposed to raise this stupid kid on his own?" He slurred drunk

"This hyperactive little bastard who keeps ruining my life" Noah yelled pointing at him as his eyes welled up with tears.

"Dad" He said weakly

"It's your fault Stiles." Noah said " You killed her.You killed your mother" Noah said "And now you're killing me." 

"Dad Please" Stiles tried tears running down his cheek when Stiles heard a faint ringing sound which got louder as he watched everything play in slow motion as his dad lifted the bottle throwing it against the pillar as he woke up gasping for air looking around him as he realised it was just a nightmare and that his alarm was ringing.

He silenced the alarm before running his hands though his hair trying to pace himself when he got a text from Scott. 

'Meet at your house in 15'

He swallowed hard before typing back 'Ok' and opening the text from Derek

'Stop thanking me for the loft, I gave you the keys for a reason.'

'Fine. We are going to execute the plan now. Will give you updated.' He typed before heading to his house to find Scott waiting there.

"Let's get this over with" Stiles said heading straight to the front door.

"Where were you all night?" Scott asked following him as Stiles tried to unlock the door ignoring him

"Stiles" Scott tried again "My mom was worried."

Stiles managed to unlock the door letting Scott in before saying "At the loft"

"Derek's loft?" Scott asked confused 

"Yes." Stiles replied "I'm gonna call Theo, You better hide" 

Scott nodded still confused before heading upstairs as Stiles dialed Theo's number.

"Meet me at my place" Stiles said over the phone "We need to talk."

After confronting Theo, Stiles reluctantly took Scott's help with trying to figure out what Theo was upto before grabbing the keys to his dad's car to head out, locking Scott out of the car in the process despite Scott insisting he could help which further infuriated him as he stepped on the accelerator and then quickly hitting the brakes as Scott moved to the front of the car.

Stiles sighed giving up as he unlocked his car while Scott walked over to get in.

Stiles checked his phone to see a text from Derek

' How's your dad? '

'Still the same, They can't figure out what it is' Stiles typed back 'We figured something out.'

"Stiles?" Scott said interrupting him as he put his phone down.

He started the car driving towards the school only to find out that Scott had called Malia to help catch a scent which eventually lead them to the tunnels underground. Stiles tried his best to focus on doing what he can to focus on the plan at hand while his mind wandered occasionally to memories of his mothers funeral.

He remembered seeing his dad place a hand on his shoulder and say "You still got me Stiles"

Once they found out the boy responsible for poisoning Stiles's dad, Scott urged him to take him back to the hospital to help out his dad and Stiles did exactly that.

By the time Stiles reached the hospital, he saw Melissa waiting outside his dad's room turning to face him, when Stiles realised she had tears in her eyes, overcome with worry he rushed to her side only to be greeted with a smile as she rested her hands on his shoulder.

"He's okay Stiles. He is out of danger." She said grabbing his face fondly as a sense of relief washed over him like all the worrying over the past few days were just a bad dream that he woke up from. "We operated on him cause I felt like something was wrong and they found it while operating on him."

"Thank you" Stiles cried out hugging her burying his face in her shoulder as his eyes welled up with tears "Thank you so much, You have no idea how much this means to me"

Melissa patted his back gently comforting him before she pulled back and smiled at him as he blinked away the tears.

"Can I see him ?" He asked his breath shaking

"Yes you can but he's still under some strong medication so he's asleep" She replied urging him to go inside

He headed straight inside to see his dad looking a lot better than he did just less than 24 hours ago his lips shaking as he walked closer to his dad. He pulled up a chair sitting by his dads side and slowly grabbing his dad's hand hesitantly worried about his dad's fragile state as his eyes welled up with tears.

He placed a kiss on his dad's hand before putting his head down in the space next to his dad breathing a sigh of relief that everything was over. Slowly he drifted off to sleep as the exhaustion of the past few days hit him like a truck, feeling a sense of warmth settle over him as he stayed by his dad's side. 

Stiles woke up a few hours later to a hand on his shoulder comforting him. He looked up to find his dad awake looking at him fondly.

"It's okay, Stiles" He said smiling " You still got me."

Stiles looked at his dad in disbelief pursing his lips and breathing a sigh of relief as he grabbed his hand.

After a long chat with his dad, Stiles stepped out to grab a bite to eat when he picked up his phone to find a missed call from Derek.

He dialed Derek's number while he waited for his food.

"Stiles, is everything okay?" Derek's voice came from the other end

"Yes, everything is fine, my dad is okay. " Stiles said "He's out of danger, thanks to Melissa"

"I told you he would he be fine" Derek said 

"I guess you were right" Stiles said smiling the slightest bit 

"And with Scott?" Derek asked

"Well" Stiles sighed "Things are still up in the air on that one...and..Malia I suppose"

"I figured..with Malia. Something wasn't right when I spoke to her.She called me to ask about Peter.. the way she spoke about..you.. I uhm figured" Derek's voice trailed off

"Yeah well.." Stiles said " Lydia's missing too so.. lot of stuff to figure out even now."

"Your dad's back, you figured that out, it'll be okay." Derek said 

Stiles looked over to find Scott walking towards him and sighed pursing his lips

"I gotta go Derek, I'll give you a call soon" Stiles said " Thank you..for everything"

"Stop thanking me Stillinski." Derek said ending the call.

"Hey" Scott said standing by his side

"Hey" Stiles said putting his hands in his pockets

"Was that Derek?" Scott asked when Stiles looked at him and raised his eyebrows. 

"Sorry I didn't meant to overhear your conversation, I just heard his name. Force of habit." Scott shrugged 

"Yeah" Stiles said looking ahead clearing his throat "Yeah it was."

"Didn't realise you two were close" Scott said raising his eyebrows 

"We're not. With everything happening.. he just called at the right time and it just so happened that he was the only who listened to me" Stiles shrugged as he walked over to the food counter to grab his order before heading over to a table.

"So he knows?" Scott asked following shortly behind

"Pretty much yeah" Stiles said finding a table and placing his tray down and sitting down.

"What did he say?" Scott asked sitting opposite to him

Stiles grabbed a fork poking at the food before saying "He didn't like Theo, but maybe that's because we are both distrustful of people right?"

Scott sighed "Derek is, more distrustful than you, but I get why."

"You get why he is but didn't understand why I was?" Stiles said blinking in surprise

"No, that's not what I meant." Scott said as Stiles ate his food " Derek has been betrayed too many times by people he thought he could trust...With you I just assumed it was cause you are suspicious of everyone."

"Scott, I really don't want to talk about this right now okay?" Stiles said raising his eyebrows "My dad just got better and I don't want us to start arguing again."

Scott nodded before a silence settled over them. Stiles ate his dinner and went back to stay by his dads side, before he knew it he was fast asleep while trying to watch over his dad.

He awoke a few hours later to find his dad missing. Worried, he got up to try and look for him heading to the basement where the morgue was present. He saw his dad standing in the morgue by a body, he put two and two together walking closer as his dad looked up.

He swallowed hard standing opposite to him as they had a long conversation on everything that had unraveled with his dad asking him why he didn't trust him.

Once they had pushed Donovan's body back, his dad urged him to forgive Scott for the mistakes he had made. He hugged his dad, holding him close like he was scared to let him go blinking back tears before they headed back to his room.

"Dad I'm gonna head home to take a shower and meet Scott on the way.Are you sure you're gonna be okay?" Stiles asked

"Yes Stiles I'll be fine, I managed to go all the way to the basement without waking you up didn't I?" He asked

"Yeah but-"Stiles started

"He has me" A voice came from behind him as he turned to see Melissa "He'll be fine Stiles and I'll keep an eye on him"

Stiles stood up and gave Melissa a weak smile before thanking her and driving back home. Taking a hot shower really helped him feel better after the sleepless nights of worrying about Donovan and then his dad. Once he changed, he headed downstairs to grab a bite to eat when he decided to text Derek.

'Scott thinks you and I are more distrustful of people. Than the normal amount. Are we?"

While he was driving over to Scott's place he got a text from Derek.

'Or are others too trusting of people?' 

Stiles smirked as he pulled over before replying 

'Clearly everyone else is too trustful, we are ok.'

Stiles shoved his phone into his pocket hesitating a bit before heading into Scott's house to discuss the guy who was killed at the communication towers.

Scott initially seemed surprised to see that Stiles wanted his help in tracking down who was responsible. Just as they were about to head out when his phone buzzed in his pocket with a text notification.

' Yes we are.'

'Did you and Scott talk yet?'

Stiles sighed before typing back ' Sortof, We are going to try and find some info about the killings'

He shoved his phone back into his pocket before heading to the tunnels. When they were in there they got attacked by Theo and found out that he now had his own pack.

"We need to get back the others if Theo has his own pack" Scott stated

"Others?" Stiles questioned "You mean Kira who's currently battling a homicidal fox spirit inside her, Malia who isn't speaking to either one of us, Lydia who is stuck in Eichen House and Liam who almost killed you?"

"Also known as our best friends" Scott said while Stiles just sighed in response as they headed back when Stiles checked his phone to find a text from Derek.

'That's good. One problem at a time'

'Yeah, I know. We are trying to figure out how to get everyone back ' Stiles replied

'Need my help?" Derek texted 

' I'd like that but you've had a history of getting caught in the crossfire and I don't want you to get caught up in this mess '

'Are you sure?' He asked

'Yes, Thank you for offering' Stiles replied as he headed to the hospital to help his dad who had just been discharged. As they drove home, with Stiles occassionally looking over to check on his dad, He couldn't help but feel grateful that he still had his dad by his side. The last few days felt like hell, with the nightmares , worrying and barely getting any sleep. 

As they pulled over to the house, Stiles helped grab his dad's things and left to his room only once he was sure his dad was okay. Stiles pulled out his phone to set an alarm when he found a text notification from Derek

'Stop thanking me for everything Stillinski' Derek replied making Stiles smile before crashing on his bed and passing out in exhaustion.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stiles and Scott spent the next few days trying to get everyone back and fix things with the Pack.

After they managed to help Kira and her mom just in time, they drove back to Beacon Hills with Stiles occasionally rolling his eyes and trying to talk to Kira's mom to make sure she didn't feel awkward with the lovebirds in the backseat who kept gazing into each others eyes and cuddling.

It was late by the time they reached home and Stiles dropped Scott before heading to his place. He dialed Derek's number without checking the time.

After a couple of rings,

"Hello?" Derek groaned on the other end

Stiles looked at the time which read 2.45 a.m and cursed before saying "Shit I'm sorry , I didn't see the time."

"Stiles?" Derek said his voice hoarse "Is everything okay?"

"Yes yes, I'll call you later, I didn't realise it was this late. Sorry about that" Stiles said ending the call.

He sighed as he pulled over before heading home and crashing on his bed.

Stiles awoke the next day to his phone ringing and looked around to see that it was 5.30 a.m.

He picked up the call wondering if it was Scott calling for an emergency "Hello?" He groaned still half asleep

"I called just to disturb your sleep" He heard Derek say on the other side 

He furrowed his eyebrows annoyed and groaned before saying " Fuck you Derek Hale"

"Back at you Stillinski" Derek said before ending the call as Stiles looked at his phone surprised before passing out within a few minutes.

He headed to school as usual that day and decided to visit Lydia at the Eichen House to find Lydia in the same catatonic state. He tried talking to Lydia's mom when she insisted she knew what was best for her daughter and urging him to leave.

Stiles sighed as he drove in silence worried about Lydia and what would happen to her.

He passed by Derek's loft which reminded him to call Derek back.

"Should I call you Stiles or grumpy?" Derek said picking up the call

Stiles rolled his eyes in response before saying " Okay big guy, get it all out"

"I'm not saying anything." Derek replied " You called me first, I simply returned the favour"

"Right, cause you're so innocent " Stiles said "I didn't see the time, it was.. instinctive I guess"

"So you're first instinct is to call me at 2 a.m after a near death trip?" Derek asked

"I-I.." Stiles fumbled trying to find the words "Shut up" he replied

Derek grinned before saying "Ok, I'll stop. What is it that you wanted to tell me?" Derek asked

"I wanted to tell you that I told Scott the truth and Theo has made a pack ..so we went to get Kira . " Stiles paused before saying "Well, during that time Scott said he needed to get the pack together and I found out that Braeden has been helping Malia with.. finding her mom."

"Ok.." Derek said confused 

"I know it's probably not my place but.. I thought she was with you?" Stiles asked hesitating a bit

"I am with Cora now, I was helping Braeden for about 1.5 months before heading over to Cora's place." Derek said "I thought I told you that"

"No I know " Stiles said "I just assumed she was with you cause you were together"

"Oh " Derek said "No it was, nothing serious we just kept each other company for a while and then went our separate ways. She is not the kind to stay in one place for a long time and neither of us want to be in.. in... like a relationship" 

Stiles stayed silent for a while a little taken aback by what he heard. Derek decided now that he didn't want a relationship after whatever it was he and Braeden had?

"Stiles?" Derek's voice came interrupting his thoughts.

"Yeah yeah sorry." Stiles said "I guess I thought we were both going through a break up." 

"Oh" Derek said " Yeah it didn't feel like a breakup. We spent some time together, It was good but it ran it's course"

"That's one way to deal with it" Stiles said a little perplexed by the situation "Uhm..I.. i gotta go Derek. I'll call you later"

Stiles ended the call biting his lip nervously. Something about what Derek said bothered him, part of him knew what part it was but didn't want to face it.

He decided to just ignore whatever he was feeling as he pulled over when he reached home. Just as he was about to enter, he got a call from Scott telling him he was heading over and that he needed his help and to call his dad.

When they were on their way, Scott told Stiles about what he found and just then they heard an APB on the police walkie-talkie in Stiles's jeep confirming what Scott had just said about a beast that looked too big to be an animal of some kind.

Upon further inspection , the pack decided to work with Parrish to help break Lydia out of Eichen House.

Stiles ran ahead to try and help Lydia because he was scared that something was going to go terribly wrong with the way things were going. Scott and Liam were stuck because the place was surrounded by mountain ash while it seemed like the air in the place was just off.

When he finally found her, he struggled to untie the cuff which bound her to the bed while Lydia urged him to get out when she heard the alarm go off. Stiles finally hid away from her trying to stick around to see who was coming and noticed Theo's pack walking in.

Just as they were about to take Lydia, Parrish broke in his eyes glowing orange as Theo's pack began attacking him.When Theo managed to stop Parrish, Dr.Valack came in and grabbed Lydia as Stiles struggled to get to her but decided to run after Theo who tried going underground.

Stiles was fuming and turned to face Theo arguing with him about Theo being the bad guy, when Theo made him realise he was the only one that could help him.

He reluctantly agreed and gave him an idea to try and hear what Dr. Valack was talking to with Lydia. As Theo broke the pipe, listening intently to the conversation, he told Stiles the room Lydia was being in held in, and they headed towards it without looking back.

"Lydia!" Stiles shouted banging on the door while Theo did the same.

"Get it to open!" Stiles shouted out at Theo as he tried breaking open the door when they heard the familiar blood curdling scream from inside the room as they immediately shut their ears in response. As the doors flung open, Stiles looked over to see Lydia on the bed looking at him weakly and it felt like everything went in slow motion.

As Stiles ran towards her, she started to fall back onto the bed exhausted before saying "You came back"

Stiles grabbed the wires attached to her head removing it before saying "We're getting you out of here okay?"

"You can't ,it's too dangerous" She said weakly 

"Lydia please shut up and let me save your life" Stiles retorted as he held the back of her head slowly helping her get down before putting her arm around his shoulder to help carry her out.

Just as they reached the exit, Lydia grabbed her head like she was in pain before pushing Stiles and telling him to run. When Stiles turned ready to protest, a hand grabbed him pushing him out of the way as someone caught him before he fell. He turned to see Parrish standing there with his eyes glowing orange while Scott held him shielding his body. 

Just as Lydia was about to scream, Parrish grabbed her hugging her whole body to try and contain her scream which lead to debris and dust getting everywhere.

Once the smoke cleared up, Stiles saw Parrish holding Lydia's limp body as he turned to his usual human form.

They ran to his jeep with Lydia in the backseat with Stiles holding onto her trying to calm her while Scott drove as fast he could.

"Lydia, you're gonna make it through this okay" He said trying to calm her down while his heart felt like it was beating out of his chest in worry.

"But you're not" Lydia said weakly reaching over to grab his face and showing him the blood on her hands as he reached over to find his ear bleeding because of her scream.

Scott turned around looking worried before pressing the accelerator and speeding up to reach the clinic.

Scott and Stiles helped carry her to Deaton's clinic as she struggled to hold back her screams. Just as Deaton injected her with mistletoe, she sat up and let out the same blood curdling scream which broke the windows as Stiles instinctively shielded her from the glass pieces.

As she feel back down unconscious, Stiles pulled way to look at her and see that she was unresponsive, his heart beat quickened with worry because this seemed like an all too familiar scene.

"Lydia, Lydia wake up" Stiles said shaking her as he tried to get it out of his head that he was losing count of how many times he had done this. First with Derek, who he had to save twice and each time it just seemed to get worse.

"Come on , wake up Lydia" He repeated shaking her trying to get her to wake up

After trying again and again , Deaton walked closer worried that she was gone when she suddenly gasped and woke up opening her eyes to look up at Stiles who was relieved to see she was finally awake. As he helped Lydia sit up , her mom who had just reached ran over to hug her.

"They saved me mom" She said hugging her before looking at Stiles "Stiles saved me." 

Stiles looked at her in surprise swallowing hard before looking between Deaton and Scott with a smile.

"I'm not paying for the windows" Stiles said pointing at the windows as Deaton just smirked at him.

Stiles and Scott spoke to Lydia's mother asking her to message them if they need any help. She nodded thanking them before heading back home. Stiles decided he had enough for one day and decided to head back home after cleaning up the place with Scott.

Once he reached home,  he decided he was going to talk to Derek and sort whatever was going on in his head after today's incident.

He dialed Derek's number waiting as it rang before saying "Derek, we need to talk" 

"Stiles? What time is it?" Derek groaned

"I don't care, I need to talk" Stiles exhaled " And you're going to listen."

"Okay" Derek said 

"I don't know what it is you think you're doing , but just before you left, I was certain that you wanted nothing to do with me. Even after I saved your ass countless times, even when you didn't trust me, and I thought nothing of it because I understood. No, I understand why you are distrustful of people." Stiles said pausing " But then when I finally thought, that you were starting to trust me and seek me out , you went and did whatever it was before you left."

"I'm not saying you owe me an explanation for every action or decision you make in your life, but right before you left, No, wait.... right after you were taken by Kate...something changed. I know you lost your powers, but...it wasn't just that. There was something else. You avoided conversations with me about what was happening to you, you didn't want me finding out what was happening to you. Didn't want my help" He said out of breath "And when I confronted you about it, you just asked me to trust you. I decided to, I gave you the benefit of the doubt and you left."

"You told me to trust you and that you weren't telling me for a good reason, so I held out holding to eventually hear what you had to say. " Stiles said "But no, you decided, you would just avoid telling me altogether by leaving. The very same day that I thought you nearly died. I didn't hear from you, for 2 months after that, but then I was struggling here, with Theo and the whole mess and you were there to help me." He sighed 

"You helped me,offered to come all the way here... but I can't shake this feeling that you just want to brush everything aside and forget about what happened before I got caught up in this mess." Stiles scoffed " You can't...you can't just be there for me when it is convenient for you and then push me away when you don't feel up for it Derek. "

"You cant just tell me to trust you and then leave to avoid whatever it is you were hiding from me and then, and then come back and pretend like everything is okay." Stiles said sighing " Whatever it is..you hid from me.. I don't even need to know..but...now it just feels.. like you're talking to me and helping me out of guilt."

"It's like you were trying to push me away and now that we are at a distance, literally..you're trying to help me out." Stiles said 

Derek stayed silent for a while and Stiles anxiously bit his lip worrying that he had said too much.

"You're right" Derek's voice came from the other end making Stiles raise his eyebrows in surprise.

"What?" Stiles asked confused "So you were pushing me away?"

Derek sighed "Yes I was."

Stiles furrowed his eyebrows frustrated "So you were helping me and talking to me because you feel guilty."

"No, I did it because I know what it feels like to be singled out." Derek replied

"Stiles, I am sorry for pushing you away. I was doing it to protect you."

"Protect me from what?" Stiles asked 

"From myself" Derek replied 

"What does that mean?" Stiles asked

"I had my reasons." Derek replied 

Stiles clenched his jaw "What is it with you and vague answers? What was it that you were hiding from me before you were leaving?"

"It's not that easy Stiles" Derek replied

"I'll make it easy for you then" Stiles said "I'm grateful for everything you did when me and Scott were fighting but you don't get to decide when you want to push me away and when you feel like hiding or lying about things to me. I've been honest about everything with you Derek, I expect the same from you." Stiles said " I don't need you to tell me everything... okay?  but you went out of your way to hide something when I knew something was wrong and instead of trusting me, you pushed me away."

Derek remined silent for a while "Stiles when I told you Braeden was taking care of it and to not get involved, you didn't listen. " Derek replied " That's why I did what I did. I'm sorry for leaving without telling you, I needed to get out of Beacon Hills for a while and I knew if I told you beforehand... that.." his voice trailed

"That what?" Stiles asked curious 

"That... you'd convince me to stay." Derek sighed

"Of course I'd want you to stay but I'm not gonna force you." Stiles said " Why would you offer to come back again when things got hard?"

"I offered to come back for you, not because I wanted to be back in Beacon Hills" Derek replied

"See, this is what I'm, talking about Derek" Stiles said " One day you're pushing me away and hiding things and another you're telling me you're willing to travel 100s of kilometers just to help me. Which one is it?How do I trust that you're not gonna leave when things get hard?"

"I had a good reason for doing what I did" Derek replied

"No one pushes away someone they trust unless there is something to hide" Stiles said

"Where is this coming from Stiles?" Derek asked

Stiles swallowed hard before saying " I thought we nearly lost Lydia today and it reminded me of how anxious I was when we went to save Scott because it seemed like you were dying, and I didn't even know what it was you were trying to hide from me or entirely what was going on with you. "

"And I was so damn relieved to see that you were okay when you attacked the Beserkers" Stiles said " Before I could even process what was happening you told me you were leaving. Given the conversation we had before that, How do you think I felt? Or did you just not care?"

"Of course I care, After everything, you still don't think I care? Why didn't you tell me this before?" Derek questioned

"Because I was waiting for you to call, for 2 months, I didn't even know if you were dead or alive, if you were okay" Stiles replied " I waited for you to call and when you finally did I was stuck in the mess that Theo made. I had shoved my anger or whatever regarding this, so far down because I felt betrayed. That you left without as much as a word, especially considering the conversation we had the previous night."

Derek remained silent trying to figure out what to say, when he heard Stiles sigh and say "You hid things from me while knowing that there was a chance you were dying. How would you react if I had done the same to you Derek?" Stiles said in a low almost hushed tone

"I.. don't know" Derek responded as Stiles just nodded in response 

"Okay, I'm very tired. I can't continue this conversation anymore..." Stiles said "I don't want to unless you're ready to be honest with me. You have to decide whether you're going to trust me when things get hard or push me away, because if it's the 2nd one.. I don't know what to tell you Derek."

"Okay.. That's fair." Derek responded as Stiles sighed ending the call.

Stiles woke up the next day to find no texts from Derek and just sighed deciding to got ready for school. He waited for a few days to hear from Derek and eventually when almost a week had passed, he decided to focus on helping Scott and being by Lydia's side to help her to try and take his mind off of Derek.

He couldn't help but think about how initially it felt like they had finally come a full circle for the better, but now it seemed like all that was undone and he ended up being in the same place with Derek before the mess with Theo started. 

Chapter Text

"Lydia, you need to listen to me" Stiles said as Lydia sat up from his bed

"Stiles, we finally have a chance at having one normal school year, so forgive me if I'm not interested in hearing your theories about some new supernatural being in town." She replied putting her hands on her hips. 

Stiles had just showed Lydia a bunch of newspaper clippings of weird incidents around Beacon Hills and had a whole explanation for it on his whiteboard, but Lydia just wanted some time away from supernatural happenings

Stiles sighed throwing the marker on his bed before saying "Alright fine"

"Thank you" Lydia said grabbing her bag "I need to go, I told my mom I'd spend dinner with her "

Stiles nodded walking her upto the front door before saying goodbye.

He shut the door and headed upstairs moving his white board away before crashing on his bed.

The next day, Liam and Hayden called up Scott to tell him about a boy they found who said his parents were taken by a man riding a horse. After a pack meeting where Stiles and Lydia deduced that it was in fact the Wild Hunt, Lydia helped him gather more information when they realised that everyone was slowly starting to forget him. 

Quickly Stiles realised that he was probably the next target, and Lydia was the only one who seemed to remember him.

He recalled his dad looking at him like he was a stranger when he grabbed his phone typing a message to his dad when he heard the familiar sound of horses running.

Lydia stayed by his side reassuring him that she would figure something out as they nervously sat in this jeep.

Stiles watched the Ghost riders approaching as he urged Lydia to remember him and to remember that he loved her. He felt like there was no return and that he had to say it before he disappeared into the night.

Stiles awoke a few hours later looking around to find himself in an abandoned train station. He looked around trying to figure out where he was when he heard the familiar sound of horses neighing by the entrance as everyone ran around frantically making way for the ghost riders.

Stiles looked around confused as chaos ensued while the Ghost riders rode in , one of them whipping a man standing in their way before riding towards Stiles who tried moving back when he was grabbed and pinned onto the pillar by a set of hands.

He looked at who it was panting, as his eyes widened in surprise.

"It had to be you." Peter quipped rolling his eyes

"Peter?" Stiles asked confused as Peter walked away

"Peter what are you doing sir?" Stiles asked following him

"How are you here?!" Stiles asked

"What do you mean, How am I here?" Peter asked "I'm here, you're here. We are all here"

"Now. Get the hell away from me Stiles" Peter stated sitting down

Stiles looked around the station before saying "Hey Peter, What are you doing?"

"I'm waiting for my train" Peter said like it was obvious

"Okay did you not just see that?" Stiles asked

"See what?" Peter asked clearly annoyed  as Stiles raised his eyebrows in response

After it was clear that Peter couldn't recall how he ended up in the station, Stiles reminded him of the fact that he was locked up in Eichen House the last time he was in Beacon Hills.

They both finally decided against their best interest to work together together to get out of here when Peter reminded him that there was no train station in Beacon Hills. 

As they tried to figure out a way out, Stiles noticed that everyone around them was in a catatonic state and didn't even bother looking up to notice what they were up to. All except one boy who was standing in the corner away from the crowd. 

When they approached him, he said he had been observing the Ghost riders and pointed at the entrance through which they appear.

The three of them walked upto the entrance and pushed Peter ahead to check if there was a risk of getting injured before joining him. They continued walking on the tracks to reach another station when they heard the ghost rider arriving as they went to hide.

When the boy urged them to jump on the backs of the riders, Stiles was hesitant at first while Peter disagreed sounding unsure.

Peter wondered if it was the right choice while Stiles urged the kid that they would find another way out while he replied that he couldn't stay there any longer.

Stiles was just about to rush to him to stop him from jumping when Peter pulled him back stopping him.

Stiles watched in horror as the ghost riders disappeared while the boy fell back shouting in pain and shaking before he turned to dust.

Slowly, as chaos ensued and it seemed like the situation was getting worse, they figured out that their best shot was having Peter try and go through the portal since he wasn't entirely human, but when his selfish tendencies got in the way while Stiles asked him to find his friends, Stiles brought up Malia, knowing it still had an effect on Peter's emotions.

Stiles decided to stall the ghost riders to the best of his abilities to try and give Peter a fighting chance at surviving going through the portal, anxious the whole time about whether it would work or not.

Stiles pushed the benches from the station onto the tracks in an attempt to try and slow them down while Peter jumped onto the backs of one of the riders struggling a little as the ghost rider tried to fight him off while Stiles watched. Peter turned to look back at Stiles when a rider whipped it's lasso around Stiles's neck pulling him down as he choked falling over before exiting through the portal as Peter disappeared along with them.

A sense of relief washed over him as he struggled to breath, hoping Peter would be of some help before sitting down on one of the benches, wondering who would remember him in Beacon Hills.

Was it his dad? Lydia? Scott or Malia? He sighed swallowing hard before wondering if this was only for people within Beacon Hills or everyone he knew.

"This is sourwolf, using a new number cos I'm in trouble. Don't say my name." Stiles's phone that was lying under his bed lit up with text notifications

Every few days his phone lit up with new notifications 

"Stiles, I know you might be mad, but just call me." 

"I called Scott and he asked me who you were, Stiles what is happening?"

"Call me back."

After what seemed like forever, Stiles saw a light and heard the voices of his friends , one in particular, Lydia's calling to him. 

He put his hand out against the harsh light walking towards it when he finally walked through and found himself back in Beacon Hills where he was taken.

After reuniting with his friends and hearing Lydia confess his love for him before they kissed, Stiles felt like everything would be okay. It was a very long night, after which Stiles headed home, he hugged his dad so tight like he was scared he would never see him again.

"I'm sorry son" Noah said patting his back "I don't know how I could ever forget you. You were the best thing that happened to me, I love you Stiles"

Stile sniffled pulling back and giving him a sad smile "I love you too dad"

They had a long chat about what went down when Stiles was gone, Stiles headed to his room to try and get some sleep when he heard his phone beep with a notification.

He looked around trying to find it before bending down to check under his bed when he saw a light flashing.

He reached over pulling it and dusting it off before checking to find messages from a new number texting him

He furrowed his eyebrows as he read it all , the last message dated to 1 week back. He called the number back only to hear the automated message saying the number no longer exists and to check the number dialed.

He rolled his eyes before noticing he had an unopened mail that was sent minutes back. He clicked on it to find a mail for the FBI Internship he had set an update for. He noticed that the signups were still available and decided that some time away from Beacon Hills at a FBI Internship would do him some good as he entered his details before passing out on his bed.

Stiles spent the next few weeks waiting for updates from the FBI Academy and when he finally got one, he was ecstatic. It's not that he wanted to stay away from Beacon Hills, but the last 2-3 years had taken a toll on him and he needed to figure out life outside of the supernatural, which in turn meant getting out of Beacon Hills for a while.

He had a quick going away party with his friends and said his goodbyes before heading out onto the road.

🌓

On the first day of his FBI internship, Stiles dropped a message to Scott telling him he was in the freaking FBI, He had stayed up the previous night ensuring multiple times that he had everything he needed for the next day.

He sat at his seat sipping water from his bottle as class started looking up as his professor spoke about a case only to find a shirtless Derek running through the woods.

He nearly choked on his water spitting it out in surprise as he clasped his hand over his mouth at what had just happened.

"Is something wrong..young man?" His professor asked as everyone in class gave him funny looks

Stiles enquired what  Derek was in for before staring at the screen in horror realising that this is why Derek had told him not to use his full name. He was under the FBI watchlist for mass murder.

"Mass Murder" The voice was stuck in his head as he furrowed his eyebrows. 

"Hey are you gonna leave yet?" A voice said snapping him out of his thoughts as he looked up to see an old man with a mop in his hand

"Huh?" Stiles said shaking his head confused 

"It's been an hour since everyone left" he said

" Oh" Stiles said looking around to notice he was the only one left "uhm..yeah..sorry.." Stiles said grabbing his things standing up to leave 

Stiles sighed before stepping out walking towards his jeep his mind racing.

After Stiles had spotted Derek on the screen at the FBI Academy, He made it his personal mission to find Derek and prove that he was innocent. He worked day and night to gather enough evidence to prove his innocence. He kept pestering his professors to take him on the manhunt because he knew the fugitive in question.

"Mass Murder" The voice was stuck in his head as he furrowed his eyebrows. 

He walked over to his kitchen and made himself a sandwich before pulling out his laptop and typed in " Feral unsub in North Carolina" to find a couple of articles related to the incident.

"What the hell have you been up to Derek " Stiles muttered exhaling as he read the next few articles which said the same thing 

He gathered as much evidence as he could and spoke to Cora asking her for updates and compiling everything to show his professor the next day.

After the end of the briefing the next day Stiles left everything on his table and rushed out behind his professor 

"Uhm excuse me sorry" Stiles said tapping his shoulder 

He turned around to look at Stiles before saying "Yes?" 

"I just need 5 minutes of your time " Stiles said 

"Okay, what is this about?" He asked crossing his arms across his chest 

"Uhm I wanted to know if I could join the field operation for the feral unsub mass murder case?" Stiles asked 

He furrowed his brows before Stiles interrupted him "Before you say no, Just please hear me out .The real reason I was a little surprised yesterday when I saw him was because I knew him.."

"What?" He asked puzzled "You know the man that was responsible for the mass murders?" 

"Uhm yes and no" Stiles replied " Yes as in I do know him but No because he couldn't have done it " 

"And how are you so sure?" He said raising his eyebrows

"Well, the last time I saw him he had moved to South America, and he was in no way the type to murder someone, and of all things mass murder. I am sure he is not responsible for it but please let me be a part of the field operation , I can help you out " Stiles said 

The agent gave him a questioning look before sighing "You know people do change, maybe your friend isn't who he really says he is "

"Please trust me on this, I have known him for a long time, and I'm sure I can help you out, I can even get him out from wherever it is he is hiding and prove to you that he is innocent " Stiles replied determined to get on this operation 

"Young man, what we are dealing with here is deadly, do you know the risk involved?" He asked

"Yes, I do and I am willing to take that risk " Stiles said 

The agent shook his head before saying " This must be important to have you risk so much. Alright let me see what I can do, Mind you they are planning a SWAT Assault to take him down, Dead or Alive"

Stiles tilted his head amused before saying "I am hoping we could focus more on the alive part?"

"If he is not guilty as you say, we won't have to kill him " He replied turning to walk 

"I gathered some evidence, I was hoping you could look over it ?" Stiles said following him and holding out the file he had.

"That was quick. I'll take a look and get back to you" He said taking it form him.

Stiles ran back to his classroom and grabbed his things and shoved it into his bag before heading back to his apartment.

The next day Stiles arrived as usual and sat anxiously shaking his leg and watching the clock.

"Ok, that's all for today everyone, Have a good day " the agent said making Stiles jump up and walk up to him

"Good morning, I uhm I hope you remember me from yesterday " Stiles said his hands on his hips

"Well yes I do, I remember you from yesterday and the day before that " he replied raising his eyebrows

"Ah well, What can I say, I make a lasting impression " Stiles smirked

"Yeah well" He replied "About the field op, the team has agreed to take you with them, I went through the file you gave me and the evidence is pretty strong, they leave in 2 days and they need you to train for a while regarding at least the basics before letting you join them in such a deadly operation " 

Stiles gasped in surprise before a smile appeared on his face "Thank you so much, you have no idea how much this means to me, Thank you"

"You're welcome" He replied a little surprised at Stiles reaction as he handed him his file "Here are the details of the team and where you need to report, Good luck young man, I see a lot of potential in you "

"Thank you so much sir, you won't regret it. "Stiles said as he walked away before grabbing his things to head back.

For the next 2 days he trained alongside the team and learned a couple of defense techniques. He went through a small orientation where he was clearly told that he would not be allowed to handle a gun and would have to stay away from the gunfire. 

He asked them if he could  lead the operation and was outright rejected but they let him bring Roscoe his trusty old jeep after much deliberation.

Stiles went back to his apartment after his last day of training, feeling exhausted as he took a shower and setting his alarm for 5 a.m before crashing on his bed.

Stiles woke up as soon as he heard his alarm ring shutting it up before showering and changing into his usual formal wear and grabbing a bag to stuff a couple of clothes and some necessities. Stiles planned to head to Beacon Hills after he overheard a conversation between Parrish and his dad when his dad had forgotten to end the call.

He knew Scott didn't want to interrupt his FBI internship and didn't tell him for a reason but Stiles couldn't help the FOMO and decided that he was going to go anyway.

Stiles grabbed his bags and jumped into his jeep driving towards the headquarters for his briefing 

Stiles arrived at the headquarters and went up to the reporting room as they started the briefing as one of the agents handed him a kit with a bullet proof vest, an id card and a lot of other FBI merchandise.

"Score!" Stiles said as he saw the free goodies and put the bulletproof jacket and id card before the head FBI agent continued with the briefing. 

Once it was done and they were all moving into their vans as Stiles walked back to his jeep. He took a deep breath before starting his car and following the vans down to the location.

As they reached the place Stiles got out looking around to see an abandoned warehouse where they had stated he was spotted in previously and a shed a few feet away before joining the team.

"Alright, our sources have told us he was spotted camping out around here yesterday and we need to move as silently " Micheal , the one who lead his operation said 

"You are going to stay behind Paul and Kristina " he said pointing at Stiles

"What? Sir, I know this guy and I have a chance of bringing him out" Stiles called out

"Stillinski, that is way too risky for you" Micheal said

"Sir, Trust me I know him, he won't harm me, or anyone for that matter " Stiles replied as Micheal looked at him curiously 

"Please sir, just trust me " Stiles said 

"Alright , but Paul and Kristina are going to be right behind you and they are armed" Micheal said

"Ok done" Stiles replied "Thank you."

"Ok we head into the warehouse first and if you see him, do not shoot" Micheal said "Shoot ONLY if required"

"Yes sir" Stiles and the other replied

Stiles walked towards the warehouse with Paul and Kristina right behind him 

Stiles walked slowly looking around with his flashlight "Derek?" Stiles whispered "Derek come on"

Stiles heard a small noise from the corner of the room turning towards it to see a pair of blue eyes flashing at him. 

"What's that?" Paul asked his hand on his gun as they walked closer 

"Some animal I guess " Kristina replied frowning as she did the same

"No no" Stiles said "Guys put down your guns"

"Derek it's me" Stiles called out as the blue eyes disappeared before Derek stepped out from the dark his eyes back to his usual hazel green closing the distance before pinning Stiles to the wall behind him.

"Stiles?" Derek asked his gaze softening looking at the familiar face in front of him. 

Stiles eyes widened in shock as he saw Paul pull out his gun and everything moved in slow motion as Stiles yelled out "Noooo" before throwing his body on Derek's falling backwards and Paul shot at them as Derek's back hit the floor with Stiles on top of him

Stiles cried out in pain as the bullet his toe.

"Paul what the hell?!!" Stiles cried out as he rolled off of Derek and onto the floor clutching his leg in pain 

"I thought he was going to hurt you" Paul said kneeling down looking worried

"I told you he wouldn't do anything!" Stiles yelled 

"We need medical assistance here " Kristina said into the walkie talkie

"Sorry " Paul said putting his gun back

Derek sat up before taking off Stiles shoe to asses the damage on his leg as Stiles continued crying out in pain 

"We have to get him out before he loses more blood" Derek said grabbing Stiles arm and putting it around his shoulder and the other around his waist helping him up

"Can you stand up ?" Derek asked looking at Stiles in concern as Paul and Kristina ran out to get help.

"Ow ow shit" Stiles said standing up shifting his weight onto the leg that wasn't shot 

"Why the hell did you do that?!" Derek called out angrily "You know I can heal"

"Instinct", Ow shit"  Stiles said panting trying to balance himself on his other foot "Besides.. what the hell would you say if they try to help you and found that you had already healed"

"Doesn't matter, Don't put yourself in harms way" Derek quipped as Stiles lost balance with Derek steadying him

"Alright come on" Derek replied sweeping Stiles off his feet and carrying him bridal style as he cried out in pain 

Derek walked through the warehouse door as Paula and Kristina held it open.

Derek rolled his eyes shaking his head as Stiles looked at his bleeding toe and passed out in his arms.

"Yes here are the bills and other documents as proof" A familiar voice said 

"Alright let me verify these details and get back to you " Another familiar voice replied

Stiles slowly opened his eyes adjusting to the sudden light and looked around to find himself in an ambulance. He slowly sat up as he noticed Derek sitting at the foot of the bed turning around to the noise

"Are you feeling okay?" Derek asked looking back at him

"My head feels heavy but I think I'm okay " Stiles said looking at his bandaged toe

Derek placed his hand on Stiles ankles as his veins turned black.

"Thank you Derek " Stiles said 

Derek stood up and walked to sit opposite to Stiles. "Now that that's out of the way " Derek said sitting down before hitting the back of Stiles head 

"ow, What was that for?" Stiles asked rubbing his head

"You know what that was for " Derek replied raising his eyebrows

"Deja vu" Stiles replied recalling the time Derek had said the same thing a couple of years back " Alright alright I know I shouldn't have got shot by the bullet but it was instinctive, I told you."

"Uhm Derek Hale?" Micheal 's voice interrupted them as they looked to see Michael outside the ambulance with a file in his hands

"Yeah?" Derek asked stepping out of the vehicle

"Do you have any property documents from the place you rented or owned?" Michael asked

"Yeah they are in the folder I gave you" Derek replied

"Alright, my team has verified the details required but we do need to send it to the head office to clear you name" Michael said "I'm going to need a couple of your signatures and thumbprints once that is done, So please sign this stating that you will comply with the required regulations and act as per the statutory requirements"

"Alright" Derek said walking along with Michael to another van

Stiles got up from the bed slowly and tried standing up and realised that the pain had reduced a bit as he got down from the ambulance and took his shoes which were lying by the side putting them on.

"You need help with that?" A familiar voice said as Stiles looked up to see Paul

"I'm good, Thank you" Stiles replied sitting by the edge of the ambulance.

"Listen " Paul said sitting next to Stiles "I just wanted to apologise for you know shooting your leg, I really thought you were gonna get hurt and given that you were the first intern we have taken on a field op, I didn't want to put you at risk"

"Don't worry about it, it's just my toe and I feel fine already" Stiles replied

"Are you sure?" Cause I really didn't mean to do it "Paul replied

"I'm sure , Don't worry" Stiles replied

"Well, I'll see you around , I'm so sorry again" Paul replied standing up as Derek returned standing opposite to Paul

"Oh uhm Hi" Paul replied awkwardly looking at Derek 

Derek just glared at him in response as Paul waved goodbye to Stiles before lookin intimidated by Derek glaring at him.

"Great response to hi " Stiles replied sarcastically

" He should be thankful that's all I did" Derek replied coming to stand beside him his arms crossed across his chest

"Why?" Stiles asked narrowing his eyes " Were you gonna rip his throat out? with your teeth?"

Derek gave Stiles a look that said Really? 

"Alright " Derek said rolling his eyes "Let's get you out of here"

"Wait you're free to go?" Stiles asked surprised

Derek rolled his eyes as Stiles stood up "Yes Stiles I am free to go, they have to verify some details and they said it would be ok if you took a couple of days off to recover"

Derek put his arm around Stiles waist as he took his arm and put it around his shoulder helping him walk towards his jeep.

Stiles reached out to open the passenger side door as Derek helped him in.

"You okay?" Derek asked and closed the door when Stiles nodded.

Derek walked to the other side getting into the driver side seat "Now what do you plan on doing ?"

" What?" Stiles asked confused 

"I can see the travel bag in your back seat" Derek said adjusting the mirror 

"It's nothing" Stiles replied looking away

Derek reached out to the back seat and got the bag 

"No no stop" Stiles said slapping his hand as Derek ignored it opening the zip and pulling out his flannel 

Stiles pulled his flannel and bag from him before saying "Alright fine"

"Ok so I am uhm going to head back to Beacon Hills" Stiles replied looking at Derek 

Derek raised his eyebrows in return. 

Stiles rolled his eyes "Ok it's cause there is something going on in Beacon Hills and Scott doesn't want to disturb me in my internship with the FBI so he didn't tell me anything"

"And you are going because you feel left out ?" Derek said looking at him

"Yes" Stiles said keeping his bag back as they drove away 

"How did you find me?" Derek asked after some time passed to Stiles who chose to remain quiet until now, which was surprising to Derek but he knew he deserved it.

"I convinced the FBI taskforce to put me on your case because I collected evidence proving you were innocent" Stiles replied 

" You knew I was innocent?" Derek asked 

"Yeah, I know you." Stiles replied "You believed me, I'm just returning the favor"

Derek felt a sense of warmth fill his chest as he heard this. He missed the familiar feeling he got when he was with Stiles, he didn't feel like he had to defend himself or his actions, because Stiles understood him which is why Derek felt worse about the way things were with them now.

"Where are you driving to?" Stiles asked

"The motel I'm staying at for now." Derek replied

"What? Why?" Stiles asked confused 

"Because your toe needs to heal" Derek said "And you need to take rest."

"Alright" Stiles said crossing his arms across his chest and looking out.

Derek looked over at him before continuing to drive as they both remained quiet. Once they reached, Derek grabbed Stiles's bag he had kept in the backseat before helping him out with one arm around his shoulder and the other on his waist.

When they reached the room he unlocked to door , placing Stiles's bag on the chair nearby before helping Stiles to the bed.

"Thanks" Stiles muttered sitting on the queen size bed as Derek watched him pull out his phone in an attempt to obviously ignore Derek.

"Stiles?" Derek called out as Stiles seemed to be reading something on his phone 

"Hmm?" Stiles asked not looking up

"This is ridiculous, Will you please talk to me?" Derek asked standing next to him

"I am talking to you" Stiles replied turning the other way

Derek rolled his eyes before saying " This is not talking, you're angry at me"

Stiles shrugged as Derek sat opposite to him on the bed 

"Stiles, I'm sorry, Will you just hear me out?" Derek pleaded

"Mhmm" Stiles said not turning when Derek tilted his head to the side Stiles had turned 

"Stiles, just turn around " Derek said looking at him as he avoided eye contact when Derek moved his hand to grab Stiles's phone from his hand while Stiles moved it up a little higher instinctively to prevent Derek from getting it.

"This is getting ridiculous now" Derek exhaled.

He rolled his eyes trying to grab Stiles phone when Stiles moved it the other way. Finally fed up with the antics, Derek grabbed Stiles's wrist that was holding the phone when Stiles didn't turn even then.

"Stiles" Derek said in a low tone shifting to sit closer " I'm sorry, I'm going to be honest about everything now." 

Stiles turned and looked between Derek's eyes as he looked guilty. Derek stared back at those familiar brown eyes that he had missed so much before letting go of his wrist and moving back a little "Are you willing to hear me out?

"Only If you're willing to be honest" Stiles quipped moving back to rest his back onto the bed frame 

Derek sighed before saying " I'm sorry for the way I left things Stiles, I should've told you."

Stiles stayed quiet for a while as Derek continued " I realised that I was causing more harm than good by being around Scott, seeing you that day...before I left..I saw you hesitating to leave me behind.. I heard your heartbeat, I didn't want you to ever have to be in a position where you would have to choose between saving your family or friends or me. So I left." He paused " I should've told you Stiles"

"When Kate took me, actually a while before that.. I suspected that my anchor was changing. " Derek said holding eye contact with Stiles. " And when Kate took me, it just confirmed my suspicions. And my anchor has always been my anger and it suddenly changed so I didn't.. I didn't know what it meant or how to process it. Afterwards when I got turned back into my old self... and I was losing my powers.. Kate took me back to a time where I couldn't control my shift."

He sighed before saying" I was scared that I would lose control of my shift and thought it would be best to just keep you at a distance altogether and not get you involved...at all." 

"Why didn't you just tell me that?" Stiles asked leaning forward 

"Because when I told you not to help, you didn't listen anyway" Derek said "If I recall, you did some research when I clearly asked you not to. You don't listen to what I say" 

Stiles shrugged "Touché" 

"It's not that I didn't trust you. I just did it to try and protect you but I think I could've done it in a different way." Derek said

Stiles sighed before saying " Derek, I'm not mad at you for leaving, I get why you did especially after all the shit we've all been through, after all you've been through. I thought you wanted to leave cause of the chaos of the supernatural world but now I know it's cause you were trying to protect me."

"I thought we were closer..I guess I thought you would tell me if you decided to leave again..." Stiles said looking down at his hands as he played with his fingers nervously.

"We are Stiles. You're probably the first person in a long time who understood me ,Which is why I should've told you about my decision to leave" Derek said "After our phone call, where you had asked me to be honest, I tried figuring out what was the right thing to do when Cora gave me an earful and told me to just be honest instead of trying to protect you."

"So after about a week or so.. I packed my things and was ready to leave " he continued 

"Leave where?" Stiles asked 

"To Beacon Hills" Derek said " I was on my way to tell you the truth and be honest. Face to face, when I got stuck in this whole mess that you helped me out of."

"I had to go underground" Derek shrugged "And that meant not contacting anyone until my name was cleared. Chris managed to find me...and tried convincing me to head back but I was hesitant until Kate attacked us. One thing lead to another and.. you found me." 

"You were willing to come to Beacon Hills when the whole issue with Theo happened, Why were you hesitant to go with Chris?" 

"Chris wanted me to help him with something he and Gerard figured, to protect Beacon Hills." Derek said standing up " For you, it was because you needed someone by your side."

"Oh" Stiles said amused but still surprised " Wait, so your anchor changed? What caused you to..uhm I guess short circuit your way out of Beacon Hills ? Don't tell me your anchor was Jennifer" he said pinching his eyebrows together.

"Oh god no" Derek said " Why would you even think that?"

"Because you said you left to protect me, I don't know. " Stiles said throwing his hands up in frustration " Was it a person or something else like anger?"

"It was a person" Derek said 

"So someone freaked you out enough to get you to leave Beacon Hills ?" Stiles asked amused " That's interesting, why did you freak out?"

"Because it wasn't someone I expected" Derek said standing across from him by the foot of the bed with his arms crossed across his chest 

"Ok, what is it with you and being vague?" Stiles asked

Derek raised his eyebrows not saying a words when Stiles just narrowed his eyes at him in response. Stiles tilted his head trying to figure out what Derek was trying to say when "Okay, this eye and eyebrow communicating may have worked before but it is not working now."

Derek rolled his eyes before heading to the tiny cupboard by the bed to grab a few things.

"Come on." Stiles said shaking his leg that wasn't injured nervously. 

Derek sighed as he took of his shirt earning a questioning look from Stiles when he threw a towel on his shoulder heading into the shower.

"Just answer the question and quit playing games big guy" Stiles called out pretending to be annoyed 

"It's someone in this very room." Derek said turning back to look at Stiles before shutting the bathroom door behind him leaving Stiles feeling puzzled his brows furrowed in confusion when his eyes widened in surprise.

"Wait, me?" Stiles asked knowing very well Derek could hear him thanks to his werewolf super hearing as he liked to call it.

"Derek I know you can hear me, this isn't cool" Stiles called out "You can't just drop a bomb like that and leave. What do you mean?"

Derek heard Stiles through the bathroom smiling to himself before hopping into the shower all the while thinking how much he missed this banter between them.

After about 10 minutes Stiles looked at the time and said "Derek Hale, I know you're in there. Don't act like you can't hear me and stop taking your own sweet time. I have questions that need to be answered okay?" 

After a few minutes Derek stepped out of the bathroom his hair still a little wet from the shower and just a pair of grey joggers with the towel around his neck with a smirk on his face.

"Hey , you don't get to walk out of there casually with your chiseled abs and pretend like you didn't hear anything I said" Stiles said still resting on the bed pointing his finger at him

"Oh I heard you " Derek said removing the towel and patting his hair as he walked closer "I just chose to ignore you"

"No, that's not cool" Stiles said his eyes trailing from Derek's face to his chest as Derek ran the towel across his hair before noticing Stiles and throwing the towel on him

"Eyes up here " Derek said snapping his fingers and raising his eyebrows before opening the cupboard to grab his shirt

"Oh shut up" Stiles said taking the towel and throwing it on the chair nearby before turning to face Derek who was putting on a white shirt that, to no one's surprise, clung to his body making Stiles roll his eyes in response

"Hey you owe it to me" Stiles said "Am I your anchor or were you just joking ?"

"Why would I joke about that?" Derek said sitting opposite to Stiles and running a hand through his still damp hair 

"Ok first off, quit doing that" Stiles said pointing at him 

"Doing what ?" Derek asked confused

"Showing off " Stiles said randomly gesturing over Derek "Okay now. I am ?"

"Yes Stiles you are " Derek said turning to rest his back on the bed 

"Why?" Stiles asked "How did you know?"

"Why, lets see. My deduction is because you were the only human in the pack and were smarter than all of us, somehow you seem to know what to do when things go wrong with every new supernatural creature that attacked us, I guess you.. sort of helped ground me... plus, you were the only one who trusted me and seemed to understand me without me having to communicate it. No one has done that in a long time." Derek said turning to look at Stiles

"How did I know, well.. right before I got taken by Kate. I had a dream where I was having a dilemma and wasn't sure if I was awake or dreaming. I saw you" Derek said looking away " You helped me figure out that we had extra fingers in dreams and that I was dreaming. It helped anchor me when I was attacked by Kate. I suspected even before it actually happened that my anchor was changing but the dream confirmed it."

Stiles stayed silent his mouth slightly parted confused at first but then amused to hear everything " This is amazing. "

Derek rolled his eyes sitting up as Stiles moved closer. "You know damn well, I'm not letting this go Derek Hale"

Derek rested on his elbows holding back a smile " Okay well get it all out"

"I'm kidding, I'm not gonna make fun of you. " Stiles said " It feels kinda nice, I feel important "

"Are you sure?" Derek asked 

"Yes but you still owe me something " Stiles said raising his eyebrows 

Derek furrowed his eyebrows in confusion before saying " What are you implying ?"

Stiles shrugged acting innocent when Derek realised what he was talking about.

"You wanted to know about..cello girl last time" Derek replied looking at Stiles " You want to know more about her?"

"You don't have to, if this is your way of making it up to me" Stiles replied 

"I want to" Derek replied " It may be a way to try and make it up to you, but I trust you enough to tell you about her" 

Stiles looked at Derek raising his eyebrows before saying " If you say so, then go ahead"

"Her name was Paige" Derek said looking ahead  "She was a quiet and smart student, she loved to read.. obviously played the cello.."

Stiles turned a little to rest his leg on the chair nearby.

"I was in the basketball team and one day we were in the hallway making a lot of noise, as teenagers do and next thing I know there's a voice behind me telling me to stop" Derek said "She was practicing in the music room and the sound of the basketball disturbed her practise, I tried flirting with her by trying to annoy her but she just left."

"Eventually I went over to the music room and asked her name" Derek said smiling fondly " And she told me to play any one instrument and that she would tell me her name. I chose the triangle."

"Smart" Stiles replied "Teenager Derek was smooth."

Derek rolled his eyes acting annoyed but the corner of his lips were turned up the slightest bit before he continued "Anyway, she rolled her eyes and told me her name, I liked that she didn't think twice before calling me out on my shit and I guess I annoyed her until she saw something in me that made her like me back. Everything was going good and we were really happy... until" Derek paused sighing 

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to" Stiles replied 

"No, I want you to know my side of the story, the truth" Derek said

"You don't have to, I trust you, I know Peter wasn't being honest." Stiles replied

"I know Stiles" Derek replied nodding " But I want to tell you"

Stiles waited before Derek continued "At the time the hunters and the Hale pack were always at constant war and a pack member Ennis was close to.. was killed by the hunters. Peter saw this as an opportunity , and he kept telling me how Paige would leave me if she found out the truth and that it would be for the best if we turned her. He kept telling me she wouldn't want me and that if we turned her she could be stronger, better and we could be together forever and fed me lies." 

"I fell for it and dropped her a text to meet me at school one night..." Derek sighed " Ennis was there waiting and I ran when I heard her scream to try and save her but it was already done... she had been bitten." 

"I took her to what I later realised was the Nematon and held her as she was dying in my arms. " Derek said his eyes reading a hurt expression " She told me... she told me she knew I was different... with the way I was.. and that she loved me anyway.." 

"Peter came in and saw me holding her as she lay dying" Derek replied " I asked him why she wasn't healing but I already knew why. She told me it hurt too much and I.. I decided to put her out of her pain..."

"Peter took her body from me and my mom came when she heard what happened" Derek continued " I was scared because the colour of my eyes had changed but she told me I was beautiful and was still the same person..." 

Stiles sighed and swallowed hard before saying "I'm so sorry Derek, You didn't deserve that. I knew Peter had lied, I knew you'd never do this. He told me it was all your idea"

"Well, it wasn't . Now you know the truth" Derek replied looking at Stiles. 

"You were too young, it's not fair " Stiles replied " You trust me enough to tell me the truth?"

"Of course" Derek replied 

"Her name..." Stiles replied " What did you say it was again?"

"Paige" Derek replied 

"Sounds familiar" Stiles replied furrowing his eyebrows 

"She went to the same school so you've probably seen her in our old yearbooks" Derek replied

"Yeah maybe.." Stiles replied "Do you have a picture of her ?" 

"Yeah It's in my loft, I'll show it to you when we go back." Derek replied

"You're going to come back ? " Stiles asked " With me?"

"Yeah of course" Derek said 

"I thought you didn't want to go back?" Stiles asked 

"Not with Chris." Derek said turning to look at Stiles with a fond look in his eyes

Stiles smiled at Derek and was just about to say something when he was interrupted by his phone ringing.

He sighed before leaning over to pick it up and saw it said Lydia.

"Hey Lydia" Stiles said holding into the chair and standing slowly .

Derek watched out of concern when Stiles just gave him a thumbs up. 

Derek moved further up resting his head on the pillow as Stiles walked a little away

"Yeah everything's good. What about you?" Stiles said 

"Nothing out of the ordinary going on there?" He questioned 

"Mhmm" He said listening intently when he looked over to find Derek opening the drawer by the bedside table and taking out a book to read.

He smiled before turning away.

"Yeah alright Lydia, Take care" Stiles said 

"Love you too" Stiles said ending the call before turning around to walk back to sit on the bed

"Didn't know you read books" He said sitting down beside him

"I don't but Cora gave me this " Derek said showing the book cover which read 'The subtle art of not giving a fuck'

"Nice" Stiles said said "I've read that one. It's good."

"It is" Derek said continuing to read

Stiles settled a little further away from him turning around, his back facing Derek's as he slowly drifted off to sleep.

Derek read his book for a while before turning off the lamp and falling asleep, keeping some distance between them. To Derek, this was something he would never do with anyone, or has done with anyone before. He's never let anyone share his space before, he may have had casual relationships with people,, but never had a time where he could just be present without having them do anything... and now he let Stiles in without a doubt in his mind.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stiles woke up the next day and turned to find the room empty, He groaned stretching before carefully putting his foot down when Derek entered the room with a paper bag and what looked like coffee.

"Morning grumpy" Derek said shutting the door behind him as Stiles held his hand up when the light entered the room.

"Mmm" Stiles groaned slowly walking over to his bag and pulling out his toiletries bag and grabbing a towel before heading straight to the bathroom to take a quick shower.

He took a quick shower and brushed his teeth before heading back out to find the small table set with pancakes and bacon, his eyes widening in surprise

"Did you get this?" Stiles asked Derek before shoving his clothes into the bag.

Derek walked over to the table and said "Yes, I woke up early so I thought I'd grab some food for us"

Stiles pulled up the chair and sat down as he scarfed down his breakfast while Derek just sipped his coffee with some fruits.

Stiles looked up as he shoved a piece of pancake into his mouth and furrowed his eyebrows at the way Derek was looking at him.

"What?" He said when Derek just shrugged and continued sipping his coffee.

"When was the last time you had a proper meal Stiles?" Derek asked

"Yesterday before we left I think" Stiles said "Was too busy trying to save your ass, to remember to eat."

"Uh-huh" Derek nodded " Are you gonna bring that up at any time now?" 

"Yes I am" Stiles replied finishing his breakfast. 

"Okay, We need to checkout in an hour, pack up" Derek replied as they cleaned up the table

"Alright, I'll just patch up my toe and get to it" Stiles said standing up to grab the medical kit before sitting on the chair when Derek grabbed the medical kit from him and pulled the other chair to sit opposite to him.

"Do you not want my toe to heal?" Stiles asked as he placed the medical kit on the table next to them, opening it up and grabbing what was required before leaning down to hold Stiles's ankle placing it on his own leg.

"What are you-" Stiles said trying to move his leg when Derek's grip on his ankle tightened "Stiles, just let me."

Derek picked up the gauze along with the ointment cleaning the wound as Stiles just watched quietly.

"When did you learn to do this?" Stiles asked as he bandaged it.

"Braeden taught me when I was healing " Derek said taping it up

" Ohh" Stiles said as the sat in silence daring not to venture into the topic of his relationships.

Once Derek bandaged it up he held onto his ankle, his veins turning black as he took some of Stiles's pain.

"Thank you Derek" Stiles said taking his leg off of Derek's before putting on his socks as they both packed up to leave.

Derek placed the bags in Stiles's jeep as Stiles sat down in the passenger seat.

"I have to check out, I'll be back in two minutes." Derek said walking to the reception area.

Stiles noticed Derek pointing at Stiles before he walked back and got in to sit on the drivers side.

"What was that about?" Stiles asked as Derek started the engine driving away "Did they charge you extra for having me over?" 

"No" Derek replied 

"Okay, then what was it about?" Stiles asked

"She was hitting on me for 2 days and asked me for my number today." Derek said looking at the road ahead

"What does that have to do with me?" Stiles asked confused

Derek sighed " I uhm.. told her I was with you" 

Stiles raised his eyebrows surprised and laughed " Right , like she believed that"

"She did." Derek said 

"What how?" Stiles asked 

"You came to my motel late last night and I helped you into the room and out, Think about it" Derek said as Stiles hung his mouth open in shock

"Oh my god" Stiles called out "She probably thinks I'm a hooker!"

Derek grinned " Now that I think about it, she did look at you funny"

Stiles gasped before burying his face in his hands "Oh my god"

"She believed you were into skinny pale men?" Stiles asked running his hands through his hair

"Probably, Not that it's any of her business but why is this so hard for you to believe ?" Derek asked 

"I don't know, I mean I've never been the kind to turn eyes at school" Stiles said "And it took me years to get a proper girlfriend"

" So you don't think you're good looking?" Derek asked curious

"I don't think I'm bad looking " Stiles shrugged

"That's not the same thing" Derek replied 

"Derek, I wasn't the jock like you or have my looks, I was the nerdy side kick to my best friend that people barely noticed." Stiles said 

Derek sighed "I'm sorry that you felt that way but I don't understand it." 

"What do you mean?" Stiles asked

"There was a reason Peter took a liking to you." Derek said "Why he offered you the bite and why I was a little hostile towards you in the beginning ."

Stiles raised his eyebrows to look at him when Derek replied " Stiles, I don't want you to take this the wrong way..but uhm... you look.. kind of similar to Paige."

"Oh" Stiles said 

"I don't mean that you're the exact same, just that... personality wise and.. few features" Derek replied "Peter pointed it out to me.. and said he did it to remind me off the mistake I had made, and that's sort of how I saw it initially which is why i wasn't always friendly...but I got to know you and realised you were different and I didn't see you as a ghost of Paige but someone I could trust." Derek said looking at Stiles who was listening to him intently

"Oh" Stiles said looking away before looking back up at Derek "Why do you think I would take it the wrong way?"

Derek shook his head "I don't know" 

"So I look similar to her huh? I need to see her picture" Stiles called out 

"Like I said, it's in the loft." Derek said "I'll show you once we reach."

"You know when I first met you I was intrigued by you, you had this whole brooding morally grey thing going on" Stiles said 

"Brooding morally grey?" Derek asked raising his eyebrows

"Yeah you were just showing up in places and threatening me and Scott." Stiles said frowning "I was not sure what to make of it"

"Uh -huh" Derek said raising his eyebrows 

"Even then, you managed to get in trouble with the cops" Stiles pointed out

"Do I have to remind you that I was arrested because of you and Scott?" Derek pointed out.

"Okay well that's not important" Stiles said "You've got yourself in trouble so many times already, you were a person of interest when I was with you to help Isaac"

"Innocent person of interest" Derek said 

"There you go again" Stiles pointed out "It's probably cause of the murderous vibe you give out"

"I give off a murderous vibe?really?" Derek said 

"Dude you wore black leather jackets and always looked like you were gonna attack someone who looked at you wrong" Stiles said

"Please don't call me dude" Derek said "I was mourning my sisters death, FYI"

"Oh right. I forgot about that. Sorry. " Stiles apologized before yawning

"You're still sleepy?" Derek asked "You slept for so long as it is"

"I slept till 9 a.m, That's late?" Stiles asked

"I wake up at 6 on most days" Derek said 

"Forgive me sir but I was up for 2 nights training and trying to get information from Cora to save your ass" Stiles quipped

Derek looked over "Thank you for doing that Stiles, You didn't have to."

"Of course I had to" Stiles said turning the other way to find a comfortable position to nap in 

Derek smiled before focusing on the road ahead with Stiles asleep in the passenger seat. 

They stopped over a few hours later as Stiles woke up before they headed to a small cafe to grab a bite to eat where Stiles ordered a BLT while Derek just got a chicken sandwich.

"Are you sure you are gonna be able to eat a BLT after a heavy breakfast? I don't want you to puke on me while I'm driving " Derek asked 

"Are you challenging me?" Stiles asked raising his eyebrows

Derek shrugged tilting his head

"I trust him " said Stiles patting his stomach "I have a great appetite when I'm hungry, I could eat you if I wanted to "

Derek raised his eyebrows a little surprised when Stiles realized what he said his eyes widening as he stuttered trying to figure out what to say

"I didn't- I just meant-..I'm hungry alright" Stiles called out looking away. 

Within a few minutes, the waiter approached them with their food.

"Enjoy !" His voice came as he set down Stiles's BLT 

"We will Louis ,Thank you " Stiles said reading his name tag smiling at him 

Louis smiled back before he went back into the kitchen

Stiles looked back to his food and up at Derek who was furrowing his brows.

"What?" Stiles asked picking up his cutlery 

"Nothing "Derek said before picking up his sandwich and taking a huge bite out of it.

Stiles attacked his BLT first and finished it faster than Derek , waiting for him to finish.

Louis walked over to their table "Everything good ?You guys need any beverages?" He asked looking at Stiles

"All good Thank you "Stiles said cleaning his mouth with a tissue before picking up the menu to see if there was anything interesting on there.

"Alright just let me know if you guys need anything "Louis said winking at Stiles before moving to another table

Stiles continued to read the menu oblivious to what just happened.

"Seriously?" Derek said raising an eyebrow 

"Hmm?" Stiles said turning to look at him

"Did you not just see him winking at you ?" Derek asked 

"Oh It was just playful" Stiles said brushing it off

"He was flirting with you" Derek called out

"No he wasn't " Stiles replied 

"Yes he was" Derek said raising his eyebrows

Stiles rolled his eyes in response before Derek said "Ok 50 bucks says he gives you his number when we get the check."

"Fine " Stiles shrugged before asking for the check. Louis walked over to their table and as he placed the bill down, Derek smirked as he noticed Louis's number scribbled in the corner before looking at Stiles giving him a I told you so look when Stiles just parted his lips confused and surprised.

"Turns out I was right" Derek says smirking a little as he placed the money on the bill 

"Shut up" Stiles said rolling his eyes 

"You owe me 50 bucks" Derek said as they stood up to leave letting Stiles walk ahead placing his hand on Stiles's lower back as he passed him while Louis walked over

"Thank you Lewis" Derek said moving his hand away as Louis noticed 

"It's Louis " He corrected 

"Right " Derek nodded before heading out with Stiles.

"You did that on purpose" Stiles quipped as he sat in the passenger side seat

"I have no idea what you're talking about" Derek said wearing the seat belt and driving away while Stiles just grinned in response.

They drove for about 3 hours with Stiles chatting about how he was taken by The ghost riders which took Derek by surprise initially but was taken aback when Stiles told him Peter had helped him.

As the sun set, a comfortable silence settled over them with Stiles turning on his favourite radio station which played 70s and 90s classics, with Derek humming the tuned every now and then which Stiles just listened to with a smile on his face not making any comments because he knew Derek would stop if he said something and he didn't want that.

"It's getting cold " Stiles said rolling up the windows

"You're cold, really?" Derek asked 

"Hey not all of us have supernatural powers that keep us warm all the time" He retorted

"I'm pretty sure if I was 100% human I'd say the same thing." Derek replied

"Show -off" Stiles said crossing his arms across his chest

"Ok, there is a gas station a few miles up, i saw the sign. " Derek said "We can get some coffee and fill up the tank alright?"

"Thanks" Stiles said rubbing his hands together to warm himself up as Derek continued driving for another 20 minutes until they reached the gas station which had a small coffee shop by the side .

"Fill the tank, I'll get the coffee " Derek said heading inside as Stiles stepped out feeling the cool air hit him and shrugging his shoulder involuntarily before filling the tank.

When Derek came out he saw Stiles leaning on the car waiting outside shivering a little.

"Are you shivering?" Derek asked holding the coffee in his hand 

"It's cold okay" Stiles pointed out

"Hold this" Derek said handing him both the coffees before opening the door to grab his bag and pulling something maroon out.

"Here" Derek said holding it out as he shut the door

"How am I supposed to wear that with two coffees in my hand?" Stiles asked a Derek rolled his eyes before finding the neck hole and putting it over Stiles's head

"Great that should do it, I don't need to cover my arms" Stiles quipped

"Patience Stillinski" Derek said taking the cups from his hand "Now do it"

Stiles did as said wearing the very evidently oversized sweater as Derek just watched him amused at the way it looked on him before handing him his coffee.

Stiles held it with both hands trying to warm himself up as the sleeves kept dropping as he tried adjusting it by moving his hand while Derek just looked at him enjoying Stiles struggling to manage it.

"Ok ok, stop" Derek said after he saw Stiles struggle for a while placing his coffee on the hood of the jeep as Stiles gave up

"Let me" Derek said as Stiles shifted the coffee to his left hand holding his right hand out as the sleeves dropped over his arm a bit.

Derek walked closer grabbing the sleeves and rolling them up and holding his hand in the process of doing so before shifting to the other hand and doing the same while Stiles shifted the cup to his other hand watching as Derek helped him.

"There." Derek said taking a step back. "You're fine now?" 

"Yes better, thank you" Stiles said smiling as he sipped his coffee while Derek grabbed his coffee and drank it before they headed back onto the road.

"There's a motel an hour away from here, we can stay the night there and head to Beacon Hills tomorrow" Derek said

"Yeah alright" Stiles agreed

"Do you want dinner?" Derek asked

"No I'm good, Aren't you hungry?" Stiles asked

"Not really." Derek said shrugging, within 20 minutes they pulled up to a motel. Stiles stepped out scanning the place a little worried "This is place is kindof shady"

"Yeah it is" Derek agreed looking around grabbing their bags

"You need help walking?" Derek asked as they walked up to the front desk.

"I'm a lot better now" Stiles replied walking slowly behind Derek.

"Hey handsome, how can I help y'all ?" The girl behind the front desk said with a strong country accent looking at them 

Stiles looked at her and furrowed his eyebrows as she gave him a funny look, She had bleached blonde hair and was covered in tattoos chewing gum with her mouth open which was one of Stiles's icks.

"Room for 2 please" Derek said 

"We have 2 room available, the deluxe one with 1 queen size bed for $35 or the premium with 2 queen beds for $75" She said leaning on the counter and smiling at Derek

"75 dollars for one room?" Stiles asked limping and walking closer to the desk "Have you seen this place?"

"That's the premium one darling" She replied giving his a dirty look while chewing the gum

"There's nothing remotely premium about this place" Stiles scoffed 

"Well you can take your business elsewhere then boy" She quipped

"Ok, ok, We will take the deluxe one for 1 night please" Derek replied pulling out the cash from his wallet to try and defuse the situation

"Here you go sweetheart" She replied handing him the keys with a cheeky smile

Stiles looked her up and down before limping slowly with Derek towards the room.

"This is deluxe?" Stiles said as they entered the room which was about the same size as his bedroom with carpeted floors and walls.

"Unless you want to sleep in the jeep, this is all we have for now" Derek said setting the bags down on the small side table by the door

"Why is the ceiling carpeted?" Stiles said looking up "This looks like a sex dungeon" 

Derek grinned before walking ahead to check the bathroom situation when Stile followed shortly behind 

"The bathroom seems fairly neat" Derek noted looking around as Stiles stood next to him 

"At least the bathroom isn't carpeted" Stiles said walking away "I need a shower and I am not taking off my shoes here"

"You're gonna sleep in your shoes?" Derek asked

"No but I'm going to walk from the bathroom to the bed with my shoes and then remove them." Stiles said unzipping his bag and pulling out his toiletries

"Yeah, that's not happening with the way you're toe is" Derek said standing behind him.

Stiles turned around narrowing his eyes and looking at Derek "I am not going to let my foot touch the ground. I feel like I'm gonna contract a disease."

"And you're not doing that unless you let me take away all your pain to make sure your toe is fine" Derek quipped

"Fine" Stiles said rolling his eyes and pulling out the medical kit before heading to the bed and sitting down.

"Why do you need the kit?" Derek asked confused 

"I'm gonna keep some antiseptic with me to clean the soles of my feet" Stiles replied as Derek sat opposite to him and grabbed his ankle

"Why don't you sit further away at the corner of the bed? That way I won't be able to reach you" Derek said sarcastically

"If you say so " Stiles said playing along trying to move back when Derek tightened his grip on his ankle pulling him closer as Stiles squeaked in surprised.

Stiles rested his hands behind his back as his leg was outstretched on Derek's narrowing his eyes "Show off" He quipped

"I could've pulled you closer or made you fall back , but I didn't " Derek said slowly removing the bandage

"Uh huh, Whatever" Stiles said rolling his eyes when Derek decided to grab his ankle with his free hand pulling him even closer 

"Woah" Stiles said as his body moved closer and he grabbed Derek's arm to steady himself eyes widening in surprise as he realised how close they were before letting go.

Derek just smirked looking down at Stiles lips before shifting his focus to Stiles's injury as Stiles just bit his lips holding back a smile.

"You really like to show off your strength huh" Stiles quipped

"Not really" Derek said taking off the bandage and placing hand by his ankle as his veins turned black "I just like showing off in front of you cause it annoys you so much."

Stiles scoffed looking away pressing his tongue against his cheek. before looking back at Derek who was looking at him with a fond smile.

"What?" Stiles asked tilting his head and looking at Derek 

Derek just shrugged in response still looking at him 

"You missed me didn't you?" Stiles asked feeling a little cocky

"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't " Derek replied as he removed his hand from Stiles ankle 

"Oh you definitely did" Stiles said narrowing his eyes at Derek moving his leg out of his lap to place it down as Derek rolled his eyes seeming annoyed but the corner of his lips turned up.

When Derek turned to get up Stiles grabbed his arm stopping him as he turned to look at Stiles with his eyebrows raised.

Stiles narrowed his eyes moving a little closer to look between his eyes before smirking and letting him go "Oh, you definitely missed me"

"And what made you say that?" Derek asked standing up straight as Stiles folded his legs on the bed 

"I noticed your pupils expanding" Stiles replied shrugging

Derek raised his eyebrows with a questioning look 

"Your pupils dilate only when you're happy " Stiles noted 

Derek scoffed before saying "Yeah right" making Stiles raise his eyebrows in response 

"Oh you think I'm joking ?" Stiles asked " Dopamine, the happy hormone is produced when the body expects something good,but the hormone can make the pupil widen as a side effect too. Google it"

"What's google?" Derek asked confused 

"The internet Derek" Stiles said shaking his head

"I don't have a phone" Derek responded

"Oh my god" Stiles said falling back onto the bed in frustration " Just answer the question straight and you won't have to do all this"

Derek grabbed a towel from the cupboard along with some clothes. "What do I get if I answer?"

"My respect and admiration?" Stiles said sitting up "Hey! I was going to go"

"You snooze you loose Stillinski" Derek said heading to the bathroom shutting the door

"You didn't answer my question yet " Stiles yelled falling back on the bed 

Derek opened the bathroom door the slightest bit and said "Maybe I did"

"Hah!" Stiles called out "I knew it!" 

While Stiles waited for Derek to come out of the shower, he decided to text Lydia and aske her how things were back in Beacon Hills to see if she would tell him whatever was going on.

After a short while, Derek re-appeared from the shower with the same look from the previous night, just his joggers and a towel around his neck with which he was trying to dry his hair 

Stiles looked at him before grabbing his things and heading to take a shower eyeing Derek as he passed by him while Derek looked at him in a way he couldn't quite put a finger on what it was when he turned and grabbed Stiles's shirt pulling him closer and smirking as he looked down at his lips.

Stiles looked between his eyes and lips biting his lower lip and letting go as Derek closed the distance between them as their lips crashed together. Stiles parted his lips in response kissing him back and grabbing his face his eyes closed when he saw Lydia in his head and pulled away immediately .

"Lydia" He said looking at Derek worried " I..I have a girlfriend."

Derek looked at him with a hurt expression letting go as he walked way while Stiles remained frozen.

Derek grabbed his bag and Stiles noticed it when he looked up following him as Derek opened the front door and left. 

"Derek!" Stiles called out rushing to open the door. As he opened the door and rushed out he felt himself drop and felt like he was falling surrounded in a black void when his back hit a pool of black goo covering his whole body.

Stiles gasped for air trying to get out trying to move when he just fell deeper. 

Stiles gasped for air sitting up and panting as he looked around to find himself back in the hotel room his heart pacing. He held his hands up turning them and touching his body to make sure this was real turning to face the door as it opened.

Derek walked in with a paper bag and furrowed his eyebrows as he saw Stiles sweating and panting. "Stiles are you okay?" He placed the bag down and sat opposite to him.

Stiles swallowed hard before nodding slowly and wiping away his sweat "What..What time is it ?"

"It's 8 a.m" Derek replied

"Wh-What?" Stiles asked confused "I was..I was texting Lydia..and you were in the shower"

"You fell asleep" Derek replied "By the time I got out. I didn't want to disturb you, Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah yeah...just..just a nightmare of some kind" Stiles replied turning to place his feet down and walking to the shower after grabbing his things.

He stood in the shower for some time just trying to figure out what the hell that dream was. He sighed after washing up changing and heading back out to notice Derek sitting on the bed standing up and walking over to Stiles.

"Stiles what's wrong?" Derek said "Since you woke up, your heart has been beating way too fast. Did you have a panic attack?"

Stiles shook his head "No, nothing like that, I just had a dream where I was falling down a dark void and sinking. I was suffocating for a long time, I....It shook me up a little "

"Are you sure?" Derek asked 

Stiles nodded smiling at him before cleaning up and sitting down to have breakfast.

They had their breakfast quietly with Derek glancing at Stiles out of concern when Stiles just stayed in his head trying to make sense of his dream. He knew he was attracted to Derek, there was no denying it, but he loved Lydia, she was the one he had always wanted and now he finally had her. Why did he dream about cheating on her?

He hated the act of cheating and the thought never crossed his mind when he was with Malia and he thought of himself as someone who would never be unfaithful in a relationship. 

"Stiles?" Derek said interrupting his thoughts as he looked up at Derek who had cleared the table while Stiles was just sitting there lost in thought.

"Yeah?" Stiles asked 

"We have to head back on the road in an hour." Derek said "I'll give you some space until then, I'll be right outside, Come out if you need me"

Stiles swallowed hard nodding as Derek took his book and shut the door behind him.

He decided to call Scott to try and see if it would help him ease his mind.

"Hello?" Scott's voice came on the other end

"Hey Scotty" Stiles said "You have a minute?"

"Yeah of course." Scott said "Watsup?"

Stiles sighed massaging his forehead with his finger "Uhm so, I kind of had a dream.. where I uhm kissed someone else and felt like I was harboring this thoughts of being unfaithful to her, which I'm not, I..love her but... this really bothered me for some reason and I don't know if I should talk to Lydia about it."

"Alright" Scott said " I don't think you have to worry about having thoughts of being unfaithful to her Stiles, I think it's just that this is probably the first serious relationships you had and even if it is with Lydia, you ae bound to be scared. That doesn't mean you're gonna actually do it, I know you and I know how much you care about her. These dreams don't have to mean anything...they're just tricks your mind plays , but they don't mean anything "

"Are you sure?" Stiles asked

"Is this person you cheated on with someone you know?" Scott asked 

"Uhm, kind of?" Stiles replied 

"Okay, Is this person your friend?" Scott questioned

"Yeah I suppose so" Stiles said 

"Do you think you would ever yourself cheating on Lydia ?" Scott asked

"No, never" Stiles replied being honest

"Then you have your answer." Scott replied " You and Malia dated, but you guys never established that it was serious right?" 

"Not really no" Stiles said 

"You're probably just worried about messing things up because you've both been friends so long and then decided to date. There's a lot more at stake for you this time. Don't worry about it so much." Scott stated

Surprisingly everything Scott said made sense to him and agreed with him , thanking him before ending the call and taking a deep breath to pace himself before grabbing their bags and heading out to see Derek sitting on the chair outside reading his book.

"Thank you Derek" Stiles said as he stood up

"For giving me my space" Stiles said as Derek took the bags from him and walked ahead to place the bags "And for healing my foot"

"You don't have to thank me for it" Derek stated shrugging " We all need some time to ourself every now and then"

Stiles nodded and said "I suppose so, I just freaked out a little about my relationship"

Derek nodded listening to him as he continued "I thought i fucked up before I even began but I spoke to Scott and I feel better. Let me drive this time, My toe is fine"

"Are you sure?" Derek asked waiting by the driver side door 

"Yes Derek I am" Stiles replied grabbing the keys and pushing him to the passenger side.

"It's half a days drive" Derek stated sitting in the passenger side 

"I'll be fine " Stiles said starting the engine "You sure you're okay heading back to Beacon Hills?"

"Yeah I'll be fine" Derek stated 

"What are you gonna tell Chris or Scott?" Stiles asked " I'll just tell Chris I came back to help Scott because of you."

"Can we leave out the because of me part?" Stiles asked

"Why?" Derek asked

"Cause he already thinks we're weirdly close cause he overheard me talking to you when me and Scott weren't talking" Stiles said " I don't want him to think you're doing me a favour"

Derek nodded agreeing as they continued chatting about what Derek was upto when he was away when they stopped to grab lunch.

After lunch, they chatted for a while with Stiles updating Derek about the latest celebrity gossip which quickly bored him as he fell asleep. Stiles tried to sneakily take a photo to change his contact picture which was a picture of Derek mid-shout which he found so funny.

He smiled to himself amused at pulling it off before focusing on the road where the sign indicated that Beacon Hills was just few miles away.

Derek woke up a few minutes later frowning as his eyes adjusted to the dimly lit road.

"Morning sleepy head" Stiles said "Did I really bore you that much?"

Derek grunted stretching a little before looking at Stiles and saying "With celebrity nonsense I do not care about? Yes. In other matters not as much"

"Keeping up to date helps with socialising" Stiles replied

"And I am a social butterfly " Derek replied sarcastically

"You should socialise more" Stiles said 

"I'm good thanks" Derek said 

"Why?" Stiles asked

"I don't feel the need to." Derek replied 

"You don't want human connection?" Stiles asked 

"Not particularly" Derek replied

"What you want to stay alone for the rest of your life?" Stiles asked

"That's not what I said" Derek replied

"How are you gonna find someone if you don't want to socialise?" Stiles asked

"If I intend to connect with someone and they bring up celebrities, they are not the right person for me" Derek stated making Stiles furrow his eyebrows

"Wow Okay" Stiles said "I guess that makes sense."

Stiles drove for about 20 minutes before he pulled up to the side to check Scott's location.

"They're here" Stiles stated pointing at his phone 

"How do you have this?" Derek asked

"We sort of agreed to do this when I was having those nightmare , I disabled mine but Scott forgot about it" Stiles said 

"Really?" Derek said 

"Hey it's helping us now, quit judging " Stiles said as Derek rolled his eyes.

"Okay, I'll go first, scope out the area and tell you which side to enter from" Derek said 

"What? No, you're gonna risk getting hurt" Stiles said 

"You risk getting more hurt than me if you go the wrong way. You may get caught in the crossfire" Derek pointed out

Stiles rolled his eyes reluctantly agreeing as Derek stepped out to scope the area out as Stiles anxiously tapped his foot.

Derek showed up a few minutes later and Stiles breathed a sigh of relief as he approached the drivers side door.

"Okay, you need to go straight from here and go down an alley where you take a left." Derek said 

"I'll be right behind you." Derek said 

"Wait wait what?" Stiles asked "You're not gonna be in the jeep?"

"No , I'll stay right behind. In case things go wrong" Derek replied

"Why do you have to be a sacrificial lamb? Just stay with me, you'll be safe" Stiles said

"No, this is for the best, I scoped out the area. " Derek said 

Stiles sighed rolling his eyes "Why-Why do you have to do this all the time?" 

"Do you trust me?" Derek asked when Stiles raised his eyebrows gesturing Really? before reluctantly agreeing as he drove and waited by the spot right where Derek was hiding .

Stiles gave Derek one last look before moving a little ahead to see Scott caught in the crossfire almost cornered and saw a hunter almost taking a shot at him before turning on his headlights and flooring it, in turn hitting the hunter.

Stiles peeped outside his car a surprised look on Scott's face "You didn't think you were doing this without me did you?"

"Without us?" Derek interrupted standing in front of him making Stiles roll his eyes in response for taking away from his entrance.

After what seemed like ages the fight finally came to an end as they all gathered in the library to see Scott's eyes bleeding after he had done what he had to in order to stop himself from getting tricked.

Stiles felt Lydia's hand as she held his turning to look at her for a second before Malia kissed Scott and his eyes began healing when Derek turned to look at Stiles when he noticed Lydia holding his hand unsure of how to react before looking back at Stiles who put his hand over his mouth relieved tightening his grip on Lydia's hand before looking at Derek who was already looking at him seeming relieved and a little upset for some reason.

As they all headed out, Derek walked up to Stiles and said "Hey, you doing ok?"

"Yeah I'm doing  ok, how about you?" Stiles asked 

"I'm fine " Derek lied "I'm gonna head to the loft to take rest, I'm a little tired."

Stiles nodded as they walked together to grab his bag from the jeep before parting ways as Stiles left with Lydia.

The next day, Stiles spent time with Lydia and Scott during the first half of the day before heading over to Derek's loft as the sun set.

He knocked on the door for the first time after what felt like years since he just used the keys to enter the loft. 

Derek opened the door to find Stiles standing on the other side with 2 bottles of beer.

"Why do you have 2 bottles of beer?" Derek said letting him in

"I stole them from my dad" Stiles said holding them up when Derek snatched it from him 

"And I'm not entertaining underage drinking with the possibility of getting arrested by your dad" Derek said heading over to keep it in the fridge

"Awh man" Stiles whined "I thought you were cool"

"I am but I don't like the possibility of getting a teenager drunk " Derek stated as Stiles sat on the couch while Derek brought a bottle of juice for him handing it to him.

"I'm 19" Stiles stated "Are you really giving me cranberry juice while you drink beer?"

"You're still underage Stiles" Derek stated "That's all you're getting from me"

"Fine" Stiles whined before taking the juice while Derek sipped his beer

"You're not gonna ask me why I'm here?" Stiles asked

"I know why you're here" Derek stated raising his eyebrows

"Cello girl" Stiles said sipping his juice and winking at Derek

"Can I finish my beer first ?" Derek asked

"Take your time, I'm not leaving from here until you show me, you promised me" Stiles said pointing at him

Derek just rolled his eyes in response as they chatted on about bars and clubs when Stiles pointed out that Derek should head to the club by the end of the town sometime when Derek just kept saying that there was no way he was going to a place where sweaty people were grinding on each other while loud obnoxious music played.

"Come on" Stiles urged, "Just once" 

"Why do you want me to go to a club Stiles?" Derek asked as he went to grab another beer.

"Socialising" Stiles shrugged as Derek came back with a beer in his hand before heading over to the cupboard a little further away.

"If I say I will , will you stop talking about it?" Derek asked opening the cupboard 

"Yes" Stiles said 

"Fine" Derek reluctantly agreed before sipping his beer and looking through the cupboard.

He walked over to the table which had a paper being held down by some weight, as he walked closer he realised that it was Derek's talisman that they used to help Liam control his shift when they were looking for Kate.

He picked it up along with the paper staring at the talisman in his hand before leaning against the table and reading what was on the paper

Stiles,

I want you to have this talisman as a symbol of how important you are to the pack and to me. I am not someone who is comfortable being vulnerable with anyone

since the fire but I will try to communicate to the best of abilities in this letter. I am sorry for all the hurt I caused you directly or indirectly, I hold myself accountable

for having caused pain in your life that I cannot undo. Even though you don't see it that way. For the longest time, I never felt seen or understood, that was until you came along and it was like for the first time

in years I found someone I could trust to understand the decisions I take, I felt seen. It may have taken me some time but eventually I learned to trust you, and somewhere 

along the way I found a safe space in you. 

Right before I left when Scott was taken, I realised that my anchor had changed. To you. It was a scary thought and I saw the way you hesitated to leave me behind to save your 

best friend and I knew I had to keep my distance because you were starting to get closer to me and anyone who gets close to me ends up hurt or worse. I knew I couldn't 

do that to you, So I left. But then you found me again and saved me, yet again. I believed for a second that things could be different this time around, that it didn't have to end 

in pain, that for once I could let myself be vulnerable with someone. I let myself believe for a moment that we could have the chance to get to know each other outside of

Beacon Hills and this supernatural world. That was until I found out Paige was your cousin.

I know you may not agree with my decision to keep my distance or understand why I have to do this, but realising I was responsible for the death of not just my first love but also  your family, is something I cannot let myself live with. I cannot cause more pain in your life than I already have. 

You may not blame me for it but I need to be able to look past the pain I've caused you for us to be the way we were again.

We may have never got the timing right, or had the chance to have a life where we aren't just constantly trying to save each other in this supernatural world.. but y ou were a

wonderful chapter in my life Stiles, and you will always be the reason I think about someday having a better future. 

I need few months to process everything, I promise I will drop you a text when I'm ready.

Thank you for always believing in me and making me a better person.

D. H

Stiles clenched his jaw and swallowed hard trying to process everything he had just read. He threw the paper down in anger before sinking to the floor and held up the talisman looking at it feeling numb. He sat there for a while thinking back to the time he had spent with Derek over the years before taking a deep breath and noticing that sun was coming up.

He picked up his phone which read 5.45 a.m and had notifications of 2 missed calls from Lydia. He sighed shoving his phone into his pocket before getting up and picking up the letter, carefully folding it and keeping it in his wallet before heading out.

After he met up with Lydia and said his goodbyes to the rest of the pack, Stiles headed back home to grab his things when he noticed Derek's maroon sweater on his chair. He picked it up holding it wondering if he should keep it or return it back to Derek.

He sighed and folded it placing it in his bag along with the talisman and zipped up the bag to head back on the road. 

He drove in silence , the passenger seat now feeling more empty than ever just like the sinking feel he had in his stomach. 

Derek watched from where he was standing hidden away behind the trees as Stiles's jeep left town.

He felt his heart sink as the jeep disappeared from his sight before sighing and heading to the club Stiles had suggested to try and take his mind off of everything.

Chapter Text

Once Stiles had left Beacon Hills, he knew this time around not to get upset and to give Derek his time to deal with everything. 

He understood why Derek needed time and went back to visit Beacon Hills after 2 months , on his way there he wondered if Derek was still there and was disappointed to find out that he had left a month back with some girl as Scott described .

He spent time with his friends and dad before heading back on the road. Before he knew it, 2 months had passed by and he hadn't heard from Derek and Stiles was getting restless as he drove back to town.

He stopped by the grocery store at the border of the town to grab a coffee and some snack, when he was walking down the snacks aisle he noticed a pregnant woman struggling to reach a shelf at the bottom

"Here let me " Stiles said bending down and grabbing it, handing it to her.

She had dark brown hair , a button nose and dark brown eyes with long eyelashes and moles scattered all over her face. 

"Thank you" She said smiling " It's impossible trying to reach for anything ,my boyfriend usually does it but he just went to grab something for me"

" Claire is this the one you wanted ?" A familiar voice came as he turned to look at the man standing in front of him 

" Yeah that's the one" the pregnant woman replied as Stiles looked between them in surprise 

" Derek." Stiles said as Derek turned to look at the man behind Claire 

" Stiles?" Derek called out walking to him 

" You're Stiles?" Claire asked pointing at Stiles who's heart felt like it was pounding out of his chest 

" I've heard so much about you " She said holding her hand out "I'm claire"

" Hi Claire, I'm sorry but I haven't heard much about you cause we haven't been in touch" Stiles said looking at her before shooting a glance at Derek who swallowed hard 

" Oh it's fine, I know how he can get with technology " She replied "Besides we wanted to keep this private."

" You should come home some time , I stay near the Beacon Hills high school " she stated 

" Yes , I will. " he said "Congrats on the baby, I'm really happy for you two" 

" Thank you " She said before elbowing Derek to get him to reply as he muttered a thank you while Stiles left after grabbing his snacks.

He drove home in silence confused about why Derek hid this from him , or anyone in the town for that matter since no one seemed to know .

Once he headed home he crashed on his bed exhausted and was woken up by the sound of knocking . He opened his eyes to see the time which read 2.23 a.m and saw that the knocking was from the window 

He groaned opening it up before crashing on the bed 

" What is so important that you couldn't wait until tomorrow?" Stiles groaned 

" Stiles I haven't told anyone about Claire and her being pregnant,  we just came into town 2 days back and we've kept a low profile since. " Derek said leaning on his study table 

" Your secrets safe with me ,I'm not gonna tell anyone " He said yawning 

" When can I see you ? " Derek asked 

" Tomorrow evening, Dad has night shift " Stiles mumbled half asleep

" Alright. We'll talk then ." Derek said heading out as Stiles went back to sleep.

The next day Stiles spent the first half of his day helping Lydia pack for college since she forgot to take a couple of things with her when she left last time.

They went grocery shopping and packed up her stuff before they went their separate ways and Stiles headed back home. 

Stiles took of his shoes and grabbed a water bottle heading upstairs to his room when he nearly dropped the bottle to find Derek standing by the corner of his room in the dark. 

" Jesus!" Stiles called out " Why do you have to creep up like that?!" 

" It's fun to scare you" Derek said stepping out of the shadows .

Stiles walked up to him enveloping him in a hug as Derek hugged him back. 

"It's good to have you back Stiles " Derek said as Stiles pulled away sitting down on his bed while Derek pulled up a chair to sit opposite to him 

" I would say the same but I haven't seen you in months " Stiles said leaning back on his arms 

" Yeah, About that" Derek said " It's a long story, you curious ?"

" Duh!" Stiles stated like it was obvious 

Derek smiled before saying " After you left I took your advice and went to the club, I ordered a drink and was just going to leave when some idiot wasn't watching where he was going and pushed Claire who accidently spilled her drink on me" 

" She was there alone and apologised profusely for spilling the drink, we got to talking and I headed over to her place for drinks. It was supposed to be a one night stand for both of us but..2 months later I ran into her at the grocery store where you saw us yesterday and she told me she was pregnant with my child, she offered to take a paternity test but I trusted her. " Derek stated 

" I started to help her out with the appointments and everything else cause we found out it was a difficult pregnancy, I asked her if she was sure that she wanted to go through with it and said she did but didn't want to force anything onto me." He continued.

" But I wanted to be there for her and help her out, and we decided to stay out of town for a few months and came back here because we missed Beacon Hills" Derek stated.

" Wow that's really nice of you Derek" Stiles stated " So you're gonna be a father?"

Derek took a deep breath before saying " Yeah I suppose so.  It's crazy to think about."

" I'm really happy for you Derek, you are finally getting the family you deserve " Stiles said feeling a sense of warmth build in his chest. He knew Derek deserved this and deserved a chance at happiness and a family more than anyone. 

"I'm sorry for not getting a phone to text you, I was just caught up with all this" Derek stated

" That's fine. Now that I know you had a good reason, I'll let you go this time" Stiles said as Derek leaned back on his chair

"It's hard for me to believe it myself sometimes." Derek said

"This is going to be so funny to see you baby proofing your loft" Stiles gr inned "Or running behind a toddler with a diaper in your hand"

"I'm planning to buy a place in the suburbs, the loft isn't exactly baby safe" Derek stated "For now, I go over to Claire's place to help her out but it's hard to do it from an apartment."

"Wow, that's a big step. You're gonna move in together?" Stiles asked 

"I'm not sure, we didn't even have time to process everything, right now our focus is on the baby. He's our priority" Derek stated

"He?" Stiles asked leaning forward "You're having a boy?"

"Yeah we are " Derek smiled 

"That's so great, Have you thought of a name?" Stiles asked 

"Not yet but I gave her a few suggestions, if she likes them, she'll name him" Derek stated

"Fair enough." Stiles said 

"Wow, It's been what 4 or 5 months and your whole life has just turned around huh?" Stiles asked

"I suppose so. I didn't expect any of this" Derek said "I wanted to leave Beacon Hills and never look back... now I'm going to be a father,It's..crazy" 

"You got this, you're gonna be a great dad. I know it" Stiles said smiling 

"Yeah, how are you so sure?" Derek asked 

"Because I know you" Stiles said tiling his head and leaning back on his arms " Once you care about someone, you're willing to do anything for them, this isn't gonna be any different" 

Derek nodded "I hope you're right" 

"How did Cora react to the news?" Stiles asked

"She was elated" Derek replied "She was over the moon that we'd have a new family member"

"Oh by the way, did you..have you told Claire about the werewolf thing?" Stiles asked

"It took some time but yeah" Derek stated " She was confused at first but soon found out that it had it's benefits"

"Benefits?" Stiles asked 

"Quick healing, sharp sense of smell and hearing.. amongst other things" Derek stated

"That's good" Stiles said lying down on the bed

"Wow, this is all so shocking but I'm happy for you Derek, Truly" Stiles stated as they chatted for a bit before Derek got a call from Claire and he headed out. 

Stiles said his goodbye to his dad and his friends the next day before heading back to finish his internship.

After about 2 weeks, he got a text from an unknown number with the same words from a couple of years.

'Do you reply to texts from random numbers?' 

Stiles smiled to himself before replying -'Yep, have business with China'

For the next few months, Derek and Stiles kept up a steady text conversation and occasionally video- called, in the process speaking to Claire as well.

Claire was the one who usually did the video calls since Derek was a grandpa when it came to technology and soon Stiles became a part of their little conversations and moments while they were baby shopping or needed to settle an argument.

Then one night, Stiles was rudely awakened by his phone blaring. He groggily checked the caller ID—his dad.

"Dad?" Stiles groaned "Is everything okay?"

"I'm fine son...but I'm afraid Derek.." His dad replied

Stiles sat up pushing away his covers "Derek? What about him? Is he okay?"

"Sort of ..well." Noah sighed " Stiles, Claire..she got into an accident.. and went into labour..Derek's injured too but.."

"But what dad?" Stiles asked 

Noah took a deep breath before saying "Claire has lost a lot of blood..and ..she's fighting for her life and her baby right now. They can save only one of them."

His dad's words echoed in Stiles' mind as he sped towards Beacon Hills. "How can a mother choose between her life or her baby's?" he pondered, the weight of the decision heavy on his heart.

When he finally arrived, breathless and anxious, he found the scene already settled. His dad told him that Derek was unconscious and had a fatal head injury which is why he was healing a lot slower but didn't say anything about Claire.

"Dad what about Claire?" He asked anxiously

His father's solemn expression confirmed his fears. "Stiles," he began gently, "Claire wanted to see you." Those words hung heavy in the air, punctuating the gravity of the situation.

With a nod, Stiles followed his father's lead, the hallway seemingly lengthening with each step. As they entered the room, Claire's weakened voice called out, drawing Stiles closer to her bedside her arm outstretched towards Stiles.

"Stiles" Her voice groaned as he took it holding her hand in his.

"Claire, you're gonna be okay" He said trying to sound confident 

She slowly shook her head "I'm not..but it's okay" She gasped for air tears streaming down her face

"My..my boy is safe. He's in the NICU. I got to hold him for some time" She said as Stiles's eyes welled up with tears "I want ..you to tell Derek..that they did the best they could and to have our little boy take his surname, Hale. I don't know my family's history.... I know his.. I..want him to have his dad's name."

"Claire...You're going to tell him yourself okay?" Stiles said as she shook her head sniffling

"I'm not Stiles. You know that too" she whimpered " Tell Derek to take care of our baby...and not give up on him."

"Tell him... tell him that the accident was not his fault" She cried out gasping in pain 

"Stiles, promise me something" Claire said her hand shaking 

"Yes anything" Stiles said trying to hold back tears

"Promise me that you won't let anything." She groaned in pain breathing hard "that you won't let anything hurt my son and be there for both of them."

Stiles nodded " I promise okay?"

"Ah it hurts." She cried out grabbing her belly and crying out in pain as a nurse walked up to her and Claire nodded to her

Claire's agonized cry pierced the air as she clutched her swollen belly, tears streaming down her face. Swiftly, the nurse by her side reappeared , injecting something into her IV.

"Hey what is that?" A voice interrupted as they turned to see Derek standing by the door rushing to her side as Stiles took a step back 

"What is that?" Derek called out moving her hair from her face as she slowly reached out to put her hand on his cheek

"It's okay Derek." Claire stated looking at him with tears in her eyes.

"No no, it's not." Derek stated swallowing hard his eyes welling up with tears

"Claire, stay with me. Please" Derek said as the veins on his arms turned black. Stiles put his hand over his mouth trying to hold back his tears at the sight unfolding in front of him when his dad walked in and stood by his side , putting a hand on his shoulder trying to comfort him

"Hey, you're gonna be okay. Take care of our little boy for me" She said her eyes feeling heavy

"Claire..Please" Derek stuttered "I can't do this without you."

"Yes you can" Claire groaned "You have to.I know you can."

As the medication took effect along with Derek trying to take away her pain, Claire's tense body gradually relaxed, slipping into a deep, peaceful slumber.

Stiles watched, helpless, as Claire's grip on Derek's hand loosened, her eyes closing in surrender to the inevitable. A solitary tear traced its path down her cheek before her hand fell limp on the other side as Derek just watched helplessly, the monitor beside her bed ominously flatlining.

Derek held onto her hand still in disbelief as Stiles walked over hesitating at first before reaching over slowly and placing a hand on his shoulder squeezing it.

After a few minutes Derek placed a kiss on her head gently placing her had on her stomach as the nurse came in to place a blanket over her. Derek took one good look at her taking a deep breath before nodding and watching as they wheeled her away.

He finally turned around to face Noah and Stiles, his eyes red and his head still bandaged from his injury. Stiles walked over to him slowly as Derek tried to hold back tears as Stiles pulled him in for a hug.

Derek wrapped his arms around Stiles feeling numb. 

"Uhm Sir?" A voice came interrupting them as they pulled away to see a nurse 

"Would you liked to see your baby?" She asked as Derek nodded taking a deep breath.

"You got this son. Trust me." Noah said walking up to Derek and patting his shoulder.

Derek looked at Stiles and Noah before following the nurse.

Once Stiles noticed Derek was out of sight he turned to his dad "How did this happen dad?" 

"They were out to get groceries and were driving back when a drunk truck driver swerved into their lane" Noah stated

"Fucking asshole" Stiles muttered "Did you guys get him?"

"Yes we did." Noah replied 

"Claire's gone dad. She's gone." Stiles replied "They were both so happy and now...it's just gone. They were going to start a family ."

"I know son." Noah said 

"Claire made me promise to her..that I'd be there for Derek and his son." Stiles replied 

"Yeah she made me too, when the ambulance arrived she told me she trusted me to do what is right and made me promise her" Noah sighed as Stiles and his dad stepped out to walk to the NICU. He knew his dad had grown fond of Claire when she used to volunteer at the Sherriff's station during her free time, she saw how he looked out for everyone around him and must have made Noah promise her the same.

Stiles watched from the tiny window as Derek held onto his baby that was attached to tubes with a ventilator. The pained expression on Derek's face causing his eyes to well up with tears before he took a step back and picked up his phone

"What are you doing?" Noah asked

"Calling Cora. He needs his family by his side" Stiles said stepping away and calling Cora.

He quickly explained the situation to Cora who said she would be there the next day morning.

Once Derek stepped out of the NICU, Stiles urged him to sit down and eat something once he reached the room he was assigned to.

He watched as Derek withdrew into himself, consumed by guilt over the accident that claimed Claire's life.

"Derek," Stiles urged gently, placing a plate of food in front of him. "You need to eat. It's not your fault."

Derek's haunted gaze met Stiles', filled with self-blame and sorrow. "I should have been more careful," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"No, " Stiles insisted, his voice firm. "It was an accident. You couldn't have known.The driver was drunk."

Meanwhile, Noah approached Derek, his expression somber yet compassionate. "Derek," he began, sitting down beside him. "I know you're hurting, but you're not alone in this. Claire... she wanted to save her baby. She made that choice."

Derek's eyes widened in surprise, taken aback by this revelation. "She... she wanted to save our baby over her own life?"

Noah nodded solemnly. "Yes. And she would want you to take care of yourself now, for your baby's sake."

Derek's shoulders slumped, the weight of guilt easing a little as he realized Claire's wishes before eating. Derek chose to remain in the hospital while Stiles headed to his loft to grab a couple of things for him when a nurse walked over to hand over Claire's belongings to Derek.

Derek held onto it swallowing hard as he held back his tears. Noah took care of some of the formalities while making the arrangements for Claire's funeral.

"Hey Der" Stiles said sitting next to him and handing him a fresh pair of clothes. "You should take a quick shower before seeing your boy again."

Derek nodded before placing Claire's things onto the chair nearby when a key fell down. Derek picked it up staring at it and said " She had..a bag packed for..our baby in case..he showed up early." 

Stiles walked over standing in front of him "Do you want me to go get it?"

Derek looked at Stiles his eyes sunken and red, as he nodded handing the keys to Stiles.

Stiles watched as Derek walked to the shower slowly shutting the door before dropping a text to Lydia updating her about the situation. He knew Derek had told everyone that he was going to be a dad but no one knew what went down last night. 

He knew Scott found out because he got a text from him late last night, he assumed Melissa had told him. Lydia and Scott said they were on their way when he heard a knock at the door.

He looked up to see Malia.

"Hey Malia, What are you doing here?" Stiles asked

"Scott told me what happened " She said walking in "Where's Derek?" 

"He's in the shower." He stated "I'm.. gonna go grab a couple of things and be back, Will you be okay?"

"Yeah I will. Go" Malia said as Stiles left driving to Claire's place to grab some necessities.

As Stiles stood outside Claire's apartment building, he couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that enveloped him. The once-familiar sight now seemed hauntingly different, a silent testament to the tragedy that had unfolded less then 24 hours ago.

Taking a deep breath, Stiles pushed open the door and ascended the stairs, each step heavier than the last as he reached her front door.

With trembling hands, he turned the key in the lock and stepped inside, the air heavy with the weight of loss.

As he stood in the quiet solitude of Claire's living room, tears welled in Stiles' eyes, his heart heavy with grief. In that moment, he felt the weight of her absence like a physical presence, a haunting reminder of the void left behind by her untimely passing.

As Stiles stood amidst the quiet of Claire's apartment, his gaze fell upon a photograph resting on the mantle. It captured a moment frozen in time—Claire and Derek, smiling together, their happiness palpable even in stillness. With a trembling hand, he reached out and gently lifted the picture, a bittersweet ache tightening his chest.

Stiles made his way through the apartment, his footsteps faltering as he entered Claire's bedroom. There, tucked away in a corner, he spotted a bag which seemed like the bag Derek was talking about.

With a determined resolve, Stiles gathered the bag and its contents, leaving Claire's apartment behind, Stiles carried with him the memories of a life cut short and the promise of a new beginning. A beginning not just for her but also Derek.

When Stiles reached the hospital, He found Malia by his side as Derek slept. He placed the picture frame by his side and crept in quietly placing the bag before gesturing to Malia to step out.

"How did you get Derek to sleep?" Stiles asked as they stepped out

"I just talked to him for a while and told him about how i felt when I attacked my mom and sister." She replied "A nurse showed up and told him he had to take some pills."

"He seems better. Seems like he's finally settling a bit." Stiles noted

"Yeah He's been through a lot in a matter of 24 hours" Malia said 

"Yeah, it's been rough. " Stiles said "Cora is on her way now."

Malia nodded "The nurse came over earlier to tell him Claire's body was sent to the funeral home."

"The funeral's happening tomorrow." Stiles said 

"Tomorrow? Wow, that's... sooner than I expected. Are you going?" Malia asked

"Yeah of course" Stiles replied "Are you?"

" Yeah, I think so. I feel like I should, you know?" Malia said "We are technically family"

After a few hours, Cora showed up rushing to see her brother lying down on the hospital bed fast asleep.

Stiles walked her over to the NICU pointing to her nephew her eyes welling up with tears when she saw him.

"Thank you for being by his side Stiles" Cora stated "He can't do this alone. "

"I know. What do you want to do?" He asked crossing his arms across his chest.

"I'm gonna ask him to come stay with me and my boyfriend" Cora said "He can't be alone in Beacon Hills after everything that happened. It's just going to remind him of her more and cause him more pain."

Stiles nodded agreeing with her "With the kind of reputation Beacon Hills has, it would make sense .They'd be safer"

"You think he'll agree?" Stiles asked

"He has to ." Cora said "It's the best he can do for himself and his baby.For now at least"

They headed back to Derek's room to find him awake as Cora rushed forward enveloping him in a hug. Stiles stepped out giving the siblings a moment to themselves sitting outside when Scott and Lydia arrived.

Stiles told them everything as they just stood there in disbelief listening to everything that went down.

Lydia sat by Stiles's side taking his hand in hers and leaning over resting her head on his shoulder as they sat in silence.

"At least you were by his side." Lydia said after some time.

"He was finally getting a chance to be happy. This isn't fair" Stiles replied 

"I know. He deserves happiness and a family" She replied "After everything he's been through."

Stiles nodded resting his head on hers when Cora stepped out and turned to look at them.

"You guys can go, he's up" Cora said as Lydia and Scott entered.

"Hey, Cora," Stiles said softly, as she took a seat beside him. "How are you holding up?"

Cora sighed heavily, her gaze fixed on the ground below. "I'm doing better but I don't know, Stiles. It just feels so unfair"

Stiles nodded understanding, his own heart heavy with grief. "Yeah, I know what you mean. It's just... Derek finally had a chance to start a family, and then this happens."

Cora's eyes filled with tears, the pain of loss raw and unfiltered. "I know," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. 

Stiles put an arm on Cora's shoulders, offering what little comfort he could. "I wish there was something we could do," he murmured, his own voice choked with emotion.

"But the best we can do is have him stay by your side. What did he say?" Stiles asked

"He agreed after I spoke to him for a bit" Cora responded as Stiles nodded

Together, they sat in silence, their grief mingling with the quiet of the night. And as they mourned the loss of Claire and the shattered dreams she left behind, Stiles couldn't help but feel the sting of injustice, a bitter reminder of the cruelty of fate.

The next day, everyone gathered to attend Claire's funeral. Cora had taken Derek and her nephew home the previous night after they were both discharged and they were sure the baby was out of danger.

The somber atmosphere enveloped the gathering as friends and family gathered to pay their final respects to Claire. Stiles sat alongside Lydia their hands intertwined as the casket ceremony had just gotten completed with Derek shedding a tear as they lowered her casket into the ground while Cora held onto her nephew.

As Derek approached the podium, the weight of loss etched into every line of his face, the crowd fell silent. He cleared his throat, his voice raw with emotion.

"I... I never imagined I'd be standing here, saying goodbye to Claire," Derek began, his words halting as he fought to keep his composure. "She was..a ray of hope and light in my life...the one who showed me a path towards a new beginning. A family"

"We knew each other only for a short few months but her presence lit up every room she was in" He said trying to remain composed "She was an incredible person, and she will always be a beacon of hope for me. And... and I'll never forget her."

Derek took a deep breath, summoning the strength to carry on. "Our son," he said, his voice filled with pride and sorrow, "his name is Eli Charlie Hale. Claire loved that name, and I... I think it suits him perfectly."

A collective hush fell over the crowd as Derek's words sank in, the weight of loss palpable in the air.

"Claire, I promise you that I will take care of your son and never let anything hurt him. With you gone, I have to now grieve you for longer than I have known you. Rest easy, I love you."And as they said their final goodbyes to Claire, they vowed to honor her memory, keeping her spirit alive in their hearts forever.

Noah and Stiles walked up to Derek after the funeral to check up on him.

"Hey son, How are you holding up?" Noah asked putting his hands in his pockets

"I'm a little numb, Don't really know how to feel." Derek sighed "But..I uhm I'll be staying with Cora for a while...she insisted on it. I think it's for the best."

Noah nodded "It is, I think you'll do better with her by your side." 

Derek nodded "I uhm wanted to thank you, both of you..for arranging and taking care of all this ..I'm very grateful for all you've done."

"Of course." Stiles replied "We're here if you need anything"

Noah patted his shoulder before walking away to give Derek and Stiles some time to talk.

"I think it's good that you're going to be staying with Cora. It'll be good for all of you" Stiles said standing next to Derek

"Even baby Eli" He said smiling a little

Derek nodded putting his hands in his pockets "I don't know when I'll be back. I..can't..not when Beacon Hills is just a reminder of everyone I lost."

"Whenever you're ready to come back, I'll be waiting." Stiles stated "You will always have me and my dad by your side."

Derek looked over at Stiles giving him a sad smile before they were interrupted by Cora who had walked over to let Derek know that Eli was fast asleep in the guest bedroom.

With that, Derek said his goodbyes to everyone who offered him their condolences while Stiles informed Lydia that he would stay back to help Derek and Cora pack up everything.

As Derek prepared to leave Beacon Hills with Cora and Eli, Stiles offers to help him pack up his belongings.

As Derek packed up all his belongings one at a time, memories of every photo he had of his family flood back.

"I've lost so many people in Beacon Hills." Derek said quietly holding onto a picture of his family.

Stiles placed the books into the box before walking up to Derek noticing the picture of a young Derek with his sister.

"I..I lost my family..and then my pack..."He stated taking a deep breath "And now Claire."

He swallowed hard before placing it into a box with his belongings.

"Derek, you're one of the strongest people I know." Stiles stated " But this much loss is a lot for anyone to deal with. Some time away from Beacon Hills to focus on Eli might just be what you need."

"I know " Derek said "That's why I agreed."

Stiles nodded before helping him pack. After a few hours, when the sun had gone down, they were finally done packing. Derek said he would be leaving first thing in the morning after grabbing some stuff from Claire's place before handing the keys to Noah who was the only one he trusted to keep the place safe.

Stiles agreed to meet them in the morning before they left and headed home.

The next day morning Stiles met Derek and Cora at Claire's place. He said his goodbye to Cora before she gave Derek and Stiles some time to say goodbye.

"So, you took everything you needed? "Stiles asked as Derek nodded

"Here" Derek said handing him a set of keys

"Claire was an orphan. She...didn't have anyone who would inherit this...I trust you and your dad to keep it safe..I suppose" Derek stated as Stiles put it in his pocket

"I'll miss you" Stiles smiled " Don't be a stranger"

"I won't." Derek replied " Once we are all settled in, You should visit"

Stiles agreed before giving him a tight hug letting go to say goodbye to baby Eli before watching as Cora and Derek drove away.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over the course of two years, Stiles remained in regular contact with Derek and Cora, despite the physical distance between them. Through calls, texts, and occasional video chats, they shared updates on their lives and Stiles watched as Derek dealt with the loss of Claire slowly, but with time he started getting back to his old self, talking a lot more, mostly about his son and how excited he was when Eli took his first steps or said his first words.

Stiles visited them twice during this time, bringing Lydia along on one occasion while he visited Derek by himself on the 1st anniversary of Claire's death which was just a day after Eli's birthday. Although it seemed difficult, Derek managed to pull off Eli's first birthday with just close friends and family by his side.

He had invited Noah who had a case sprung up last minute which meant he couldn't make it but sent his wishes across.

The next visit was shortly after Eli's 2nd birthday where Lydia joined him. This time it was a lot different from the previous visit.

This visit was filled with laughter, reminiscing about old times, and just pure admiration for Eli. Whether it was exploring the town, sharing meals or simply enjoying each other's company for a long weekend, Stiles was glad to see Derek starting to be happy about his son's accomplishments no matter how small they may seem to others.

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The next few months after they had visited Derek, He and Lydia barely got any time together and when they did, they somehow ended up fighting causing a strain on their relationship, after which they decided to take a weekend trip 2 weeks later when Stiles was at Lydia's dorm to visit her in April. 

As soon as he entered her dorm he could feel a sense of unease from her when he leaned in to kiss her and she turned to let him kiss her cheek.

"Let's head to the college cafe, my roomate will be here soon" Lydia said grabbing her bag as Stiles nodded worried about what she had to talk.

They ordered a cup of coffee sitting in silence . As Stiles and Lydia sit across from each other in the quaint cafe, the atmosphere tense with unspoken tension. Lydia fidgets with her coffee cup, her gaze distant and troubled.

"Lydia, what's been going on with us lately?" Stiles asks, his voice gentle but tinged with concern.

Lydia hesitates before speaking, her words carefully chosen. "Stiles, I've been having these... premonitions. About you. About us."

Stiles leans forward, brow furrowed in confusion. "Premonitions? What do you mean?"

"It's hard to explain," Lydia murmurs, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. "But I've been seeing flashes of... of something bad happening to you. Something that I might cause."

Stiles's heart sinks as he absorbs her words, a knot forming in the pit of his stomach. "Lydia, you can't blame yourself for things that haven't happened."

"Stiles I'm a Banshee." Lydia pointed out "My premonitions usually mean a call of death.It's not just a dream."

"Lydia you've had these before, and they've not always been right" Stiles urged

"Not like this" Lydia said tensed " I..I have these dreams everyday and over and over again. i see... I see your face.. I see you..dead and I wake up in a cold sweat."

"I can't...I can't eat, I can't sleep. " Lydia stated "I constantly worry that any time we are together, I'm going to do something to hurt you. Like in my visions." 

"Lydia we have been through worse." Stiles stated 

"I know, but the distance... it's making me anxious," Lydia confesses, her voice barely above a whisper. "And that anxiety... it's causing me to push you away, to pick fights over nothing."

Stiles reaches across the table, taking Lydia's hand in his own. "Lydia, we can work through this together. We've faced so much worse than distance and anxiety."

"Not like this." Lydia said her eyes welling up with tears " Not when I'm the cause, not when me being around you is the reason."

"Lydia I'm not letting this go so easily okay?" Stiles said " We will work through this."

Lydia meets his gaze, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I'm sorry, Stiles. I don't think I can do this anymore."

Stiles's heart shatters at her words, disappointment flooding his features. He releases her hand, a heavy silence falling between them.

"So you're just giving up on us?" Stiles asked as Lydia bit her lip trying to hold back tears

She swallowed hard before nodding " I'm sorry Stiles. I can't..I don't want to hurt you."

"So don't" Stiles urged "We can work though this" 

"No.. Stiles I can't.. I can't live with myself if I know I was the reason your life was in danger. This is for the best" Lydia replied 

And just like that, with a few simple words, Lydia gave up on them and walked away, leaving Stiles grappling with the pain of loss and the weight of what could have been before driving back to his college in silence.

As Stiles navigates the halls of his college campus, the weight of Lydia's words hung heavy on his shoulders. He tries to bury himself in his studies and extracurricular activities, but the ache of heartbreak follows him everywhere.

A week passes and he hears nothing from her, and Stiles finds himself lost in a haze of loneliness and sadness only picking up calls from his dad and not replying to texts much other than occasionally replying to Scott who gave him words of encouragement. 

Another week passed and Stiles still felt numb. One evening, as he sat alone in his dorm room, his phone rings, interrupting the silence. He glances at the caller ID and sees Derek's name flashing on the screen.

With a heavy sigh, Stiles answers the call, his voice laced with weariness. "Hey, Derek."

"Stiles, hey," Derek's voice comes through the line, filled with concern. "You haven't called and haven't picked up my calls in almost 2 weeks, Are you okay?"

"Yeah..uhm me and Lydia..we broke up" Stiles stated "I just needed some time." Stiles feels a lump form in his throat at the mention of Lydia's name, but he forces himself to say something.

"Oh, I'm so sorry Stiles" Derek said "How are you coping? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm... I'm hanging in there." He replied

There's a pause on the other end of the line before Derek speaks again, his tone soft. "I know it's tough right now, but I'm here if you need to talk, okay? You're not alone."

Stiles swallows back the wave of emotion threatening to overwhelm him, grateful for Derek's support. "Thanks, Derek. I appreciate it."

"What do you have planned for the next weekend?" Derek asked

"I was supposed to go on a camping trip with Lydia but.." His voice trailed off

"Come home, Eli has holidays too" Derek stated "It'll be a good change for you."

"I don't know Derek,," Stiles sighed 

"Think about it okay?" Derek said "If you don't have any plans , come home. Take a break."

Stiles agreed before ending the call. For the next week he pondered on whether it was a good idea to visit Derek and just decided to go because he knew seeing Eli would definitely cheer him up.

Despite the heaviness in his heart, Stiles decides to take Derek up on his offer to visit. He needs the comfort of familiar faces, especially Derek's and Eli's.

As he arrives at Derek's place, he's greeted by the sound of laughter and the sight of little Eli running towards him from the front door. Stiles scoops up the young boy in his arms, spinning him around as Eli giggles with delight.

"Daddy, Stiles is here!" Eli exclaims, his small arms wrapped tightly around Stiles' neck enveloping the 3 year old in a hug

Derek appears in the doorway, a warm smile on his face as he watches the scene unfold. "Hey, Stiles. Glad you decided to make it."

Stiles grins back at Derek, feeling a flicker of happiness amidst the sadness. "I came here to see this little guy not you."

"You call me big guy and now you're calling Eli little guy?" Derek grinned as he helped him with his bags.

Together, they spend the afternoon playing with Eli, their laughter filling the air as they chased each other around the living room. As the day turns into evening, they collapsed on the couch, exhausted but content.

Stiles leans back against the cushions, Eli nestled against his side, while Derek reclines on the opposite end of the couch, an exhausted Eli passed out on their laps.

Stiles watched as Derek gently brushed Eli's hair out of his face as he squirmed a little before settling his head comfortably on his dad's lap and extending his little legs onto Stiles's lap.

Derek and Stiles lounged on the couch in Derek's living room, the soft glow of the evening sunlight filtering through the curtains as the sun set.

"I've been thinking about enrolling him in preschool soon." Derek stated

Stiles's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Preschool? That's a big step. What brought this on?"

Derek shrugged, a mixture of uncertainty and determination in his eyes. "I want him to have the opportunity to socialize and learn in a strong environment. Plus, it's about time I got a proper job rather than doing some small work here and there.."

"That makes sense. It's important for his development" Stiles stated "I can't believe he's grown up so fast already"

"Yeah honestly neither can I" Derek stated "It felt like just yesterday he was a little baby in my arms and now I'm gonna send him to pre-school"

"I know, he's gonna love it" Stiles stated "He's so full of life and energetic"

"You mean hyperactive? He's like a mini you." Derek joked

"Hey" Stiles called out furrowing his brows "I'm a great influence"

"I didn't say you weren't but clearly you've rubbed off on him" Derek stated as they settled into a comfortable silence

"What can I say, my energy is infectious" Stiles grinned as they settled into a comfortable silence

"Claire would've loved this" Derek stated sighing and staring off into the distance, her name being one that he spoke about with pain in his voice.

"She would" Stiles agreed 

"Derek, can I ask you something ?" Stiles asked his voice low so as to not wake Eli up

"Mhmm" Derek said

" After you lost Claire, Did you..ever think or feel like you would find love again?"

Derek rested his head on the back of the couch sighing " I don't know. I never really tried honestly, because until now.. whoever I have been with has lost their life one way or another so I guess I'd just not put anyone else though that"

"No, that's not right." Stiles said "Nothing happened to Braeden, she's still kicking ass"

"That's because we weren't serious." Derek stated "Everyone else close to me has got hurt or worse"

"So, you're just giving up now?" Stiles asked

"Not giving up" Derek replied "Just...don't want anyone to get hurt."

"And your solution to it is just never giving love a shot again?" Stiles asked

"At least for now.. yeah" Derek replied sighing staring up at the ceiling

Stiles remained quiet before saying "I know it may not feel like that right now but I hope you change your mind eventually, because you are deserving of love. You care deeply about the people you love and are such a good father to Eli an amazing brother to Cora ...you aren't any less deserving of love."

Derek turned to look at Stiles as he continued " You're one of the most caring people I've met Derek, I saw the way you took care of Boyd, Erica and Isaac. You gave up your powers as an alpha for Cora. "

Stiles turned to look at Derek " I hope you change your mind and let yourself have a chance at love again Derek. You deserve it more than anyone I know"

Derek gazed at Stiles fondly before saying "Only time shall tell I guess. Thank you for always seeing the good in me."

"Of course I do" Stiles said as Eli squirmed a little in his lap.

"All right little man, time to get you to bed" Derek said picking him up in his arms and carrying him to his room while Stiles just watched them with a warm smile

Once Derek had put Eli to bed he asked Stiles if he wanted to help him with dinner.

Once Stiles agreed, he followed Derek to the kitchen. They gathered the ingredients and worked side by side in the kitchen, exchanging banter and sharing stories.

As they chopped vegetables and stir sauces, their quiet laughter fills the room, creating a sense of comfort. 

As they finish cooking, Stiles accidentally spills some sauce on his shirt. Derek rolls his eyes and reaches out to wipe it away, his touch gentle and reassuring. In that simple gesture, Stiles feels a rush of warmth and affection which was cut short by Cora joining them.

As they all sat down to enjoy their dinner, Stiles can't help but feel grateful for moments like these were they were just sharing a meal and making memories together unlike the past where they were running into trouble one after the other.

Stiles retired for the night after dinner feeling a lot better knowing he made the right choice to come here after his breakup. Going back to Beacon Hills would've just reminded him of all the times he spent with her.

Before he knew it, another year had passed and he was nearly done with college now. He had found a job a few hours away from Beacon Hills. He visited Cora and Derek during his summer break and was happy to see Derek doing a lot better and even considering moving back to Beacon Hills in few years for Eli.

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Before they knew it, Almost a year and a half passed by, marked by two visits from Stiles. On one occasion, accompanied by Scott and Malia, they journeyed to Derek's home, laughter filling the air as they caught up on old memories. The second visit was a solo trip made by Stiles, specifically to celebrate Eli's 5th birthday since he had missed his previous one.

As the holiday season approached, plans were made for a special Christmas gathering. Noah extended an invitation for Derek, Cora and Eli to join the Stilinski family for the festive occasion. With some deliberation from Stiles , Derek accepted, but informed him that Cora would be celebrating with her boyfriend's family.

On Christmas Eve, Eli eagerly joined Stiles and Derek in the kitchen for a baking adventure. Flour flew and laughter echoed as they attempted to master the art of cookie-making, their creations ranging from perfectly shaped stars to very misshapen reindeers.

As the aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air, they gathered around the table to decorate their masterpieces. Eli's face lit up with delight as he decorated his cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles, while Stiles made the reindeer look like a wolf, showing it to Derek who rolled his eyes before snatching it and shoving it in his mouth as Stiles complained.

"Hey Eli" Stiles replied showing Eli a circular cookie with a misshapen face and a beard "Look, this is your dad" 

Eli laughed as Derek just narrowed his eyes watching the two before Eli showed him his misshapen colourful cookie which Derek proudly ate before saving one of them to freeze it for later.

Later that evening, the Stilinski living room was transformed with festive decorations as they gathered around the Christmas tree, they all exchanged heartfelt gifts and shared cherished memories, their laughter echoing through the room.

"Seriously Stiles?" Derek called out as Eli was running around the room with Stiles's gift

"What?" Stiles asked shrugging 

"I just told him I wasn't going to buy him a race car set" Derek stated when Eli stuck his tongue out at his dad before hugging Stiles who hugged him back tighter smiling as Derek shook his head

"Look how happy he is" Stiles stated as Eli went to show Noah his gift as Noah patted Eli's head amused by him.

"Fine, but next time no gifts unless they are approved by me" Derek stated

"Don't be such a sourwolf Derek, It's Christmas" Stiles smirked earning a glare from Derek 

"Here" Derek said handing him a wrapped present

"You didn't have to get me a gift" Stiles stated taking it from him "But thank you"

"Go ahead open it" He urged as Stiles obliged and noticed a book with a locket.

"Oh shit a first edition of The Catcher in the Rye" Stiles called out seeing the cover "How did you get this? I've been searching for years."

"I pulled some strings" Derek shrugged as Stiles inspected the tiny locket and realised it was a replica of the one he had in his wallet of his mom.

"Oh my gosh" Stiles called out as he opened it up to find a picture of his mom and dad. He reached over to trace his fingers over the picture of his mom a sad smile on his face before he showed it to his dad.

"Derek this is a really thoughtful gift " Noah stated looking at it

"Thank you Derek, Really" Stiles said feeling a sense of gratitude before hugging him.

"Okay, it's my turn" Stiles stated heading to grab his gift

"You told me not to get a present and you have one for me and one for Eli?" Derek called out as Stiles reappeared with a small box and something which seemed like a frame wrapped in a festive wrapper.

Derek unwrapped the frame first to find a painting of Claire with Eli as he looked up at Stiles in disbelief.

"My dad found this artist who customized portraits, so we got this for you and Eli" Stiles stated as Derek stared at the painting tracing his fingers over it gently surprised at the realism of it.

"Hey Eli, Come here" Derek called out as Eli walked over 

"Look who it is" Derek said showing Eli the painting 

"That's mumma" Eli called out touching her face 

"That's right, it is" Derek replied "And that's you" He pointed out

Stiles and Noah looked at each other smiling at the interaction before Eli got distracted by his race car set which Noah helped him build.

Derek whole heartedly thanked Stiles and Noah before unwrapping the tinier gift to find a set of engraved dog tags.

"It's Claire's" Noah stated as Derek stared at it. "I found it and saw your name engraved on it, I'm assuming she wanted to gift it to you."

"How..did you find it now?" Derek asked looking at him curiously.

"I finally got to shifting the furniture with the help of some cleaners and they found this fallen down behind a shelf.

Derek looked at the dogtags and saw that it had his parents name along with Lauras. He turned it over to find a tiny wolf engraved on it smiling to himself.

"Thank you, Stiles, Noah," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "These gifts mean more to me than you'll ever know."

Stiles grinned, feeling a swell of pride at Derek's words. "It was the least we could do," he replied, his tone lighthearted

Noah nodded in agreement, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "You and Eli are pretty much like family to us, Derek," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Derek smiled, a sense of warmth and belonging washing over him. "Thank you," he said again, his voice soft with gratitude

"I think it's time for us to turn in for the night," Derek stated watching as Eli yawned.

After protesting for a bit, Eli agreed and Derek turned in for the night.

As Eli fell asleep, Derek wondered if it was time for him to move back to Beacon Hills, Eli would probably start showing signs of becoming a wolf soon and Beacon Hills was the best place for that, he had some money saved up and had enough to start a small business with Noah's help.

As 2 days passed, Derek found himself increasingly preoccupied with thoughts of returning to Beacon Hills. The idea of Eli growing up in a place where he could embrace his identity as a werewolf resonated deeply with Derek, and he knew that Beacon Hills held the resources and support network they needed.

One afternoon, as Stiles and Derek sat together in the Stilinski living room, sipping on mugs of coffee, Derek finally broached the topic that had been weighing on his mind.

"Stiles, there's something I need to talk to you about," Derek began, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Stiles looked up from his laptop, curiosity evident in his gaze. "What's on your mind, Derek?"

Derek took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. "I've been thinking a lot about Beacon Hills," he confessed. " Eli might start to show signs of becoming a werewolf soon, I can't help but feel like it's the best place for us and now is the time so he can start school here."

Stiles's eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of emotions flickering across his face. "You're thinking of moving back?" he asked, his voice tinged with both excitement and apprehension.

Derek nodded, his expression earnest. "Yeah. With the money I've saved up and a little help from your dad, I think I could start a small business in Beacon Hills. And it would give Eli the opportunity to grow up in a community where he can embrace who he is."

Stiles leaned back in his chair, processing Derek's words carefully. "That's a big decision," he said, his tone thoughtful. "But if it's what's best for you and Eli, then I'm all for it."

With a weight lifted off his shoulders, Derek knew that he had made the right choice in confiding in Stiles. And as they continued to discuss the possibilities that lay ahead, Derek couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for the future that awaited them in Beacon Hills.

6 months later, Once Stiles had graduated from college and Derek had started making arrangements to move back to Beacon Hills, he asked Cora if she wanted to move back as well but she stated that she wasn't ready to go back just yet. Derek understood her decision, saying his goodbyes before heading to Beacon Hills.

Eli was excited at the possibility of being closer to Noah , Stiles and Malia, but Derek questioned if it was the right decision. After a long drive, he pulled over to the new house he had bought in the suburbs showing it to Eli before heading over to the loft.

Their house was nowhere ready yet and they had a couple of weeks left before they could move in. Stiles had told Derek he would be help him move and that he would visit then. 

Soon, 3 weeks passed and before they knew it, Derek Eli and Stiles were setting up his new house. 

By the time they were down, the sun had already set and Eli had passed out on his bed with the plastic wrap still on while Derek and Stiles crashed on the couch.

After a long day of setting up furniture and unpacking boxes in Derek's new house, the two sat side by side on the couch, exhaustion evident in their weary expressions.

Derek sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair as he broke the silence. "Thanks for helping me with all of this, Stiles," 

Stiles nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "No problem, Derek. I'm glad you guys are back here"

"It's time for Eli and me to start fresh, to build a new life where we belong." Derek sighed turning to meet Stiles's eyes

Stiles nodded, his expression unreadable as he processed Derek's words. "I get it," he said, his voice tinged with resignation

"It's gonna be weird . Staying in Beacon Hills without you" Derek stated 

"Why?" Stiles asked "You were fine with Cora all these years."

"That's different" Derek said "Before I left Beacon Hills you were always there. Now, it's... it's gonna feel...empty..I guess" He hesitated

Stiles's brows furrowed slightly at Derek's admission, a hint of tension rippling through the air. He shifted on the couch, unsure of how to respond to Derek's candid confession.

Stiles replied after a moment, his voice soft but tinged with a note of uncertainty. "But you've got Eli now. And you'll be busy with your new life in Beacon Hills."

Derek's gaze flickered to Stiles, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "Yeah, I guess, but it won't be the same without you." he muttered, his tone guarded.

"I'm only few hours away.. I did it to be closer to dad but I'm gonna be closer to you and Eli now. I'll be able to visit more often."

Derek nodded sighing .The silence that followed was palpable, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tension. Stiles chewed on his lower lip as Derek's focused shifted to his lips,

Finally, Derek cleared his throat, breaking the uneasy stillness that had settled between them as Stiles stood up "I should probably get going."

Derek nodded swallowing hard before walking Stiles to the door and saying goodbye. 

The next day, Stiles said goodbye to Derek and Eli before heading back on the road. He was working at an FBI agency few towns over and had decided to continue with this cause he knew that it was good money and he would be closer to his dad.

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The day before Eli's birthday, Stiles found himself standing in front of Derek's doorstep, a nervous flutter in his chest after their last visit, as he raised a hand to knock, feeling like his teenage self who had a secret crush.

Derek greeted him with a warm smile, but there was a subtle tension in the air, a lingering undercurrent of unspoken feelings.

As he stepped into the kitchen to begin baking, Stiles couldn't shake the feeling of Derek's presence beside him as he put on an apron, the warmth of his body so close yet tantalizingly out of reach.

They worked side by side, their movements synchronized as they measured out ingredients and mixed batter, but there was a palpable tension that simmered beneath the surface.

With each accidental brush of their hands and shared laugh that broke the tension, Stiles felt a magnetic pull that seemed to draw them closer together.

He stole glances at Derek when he thought he wasn't looking, the way his brow furrowed in concentration, the curve of his lips as he smiled. Stiles pulled out the cake from the oven noticing the strings of his apron coming undone.

"Hey, could you help me with my apron?" Stiles requested, holding onto the hot cake with his gloved hands.

Derek nodded in response, stepping closer behind him. Stiles could feel the proximity of Derek's body, the warmth radiating from him as Derek reached for the ends of the apron, tugging it , pulling Stiles a little closer , his body moving on it's own due to Derek's strength, his grip on the cake tightening

With deliberate slowness, Derek began to tie the apron around Stiles's waist, his fingers moving with a gentle precision. Stiles couldn't help but notice the warmth of Derek's touch against his back, a sensation that sent a flutter of anticipation coursing through him as he tried to keep his heartbeat in control.

As the knot was secured, Stiles took a deep breath, the scent of Derek's cologne mingling with the sweet aroma of the freshly baked cake.  

"Thanks," Stiles murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he turned to face Derek, their eyes meeting in a shared moment of unspoken understanding.

Derek offered him a small smile in return, a silent acknowledgment of the connection that lingered between them before Derek turned to grab a piping bag "Ready?" He asked as Stiles placed the cake down on the counter.

As they put the finishing touches on the cake, Stiles couldn't ignore the sneaky glances and touches from Derek. He longed to reach out and touch Derek, all these feelings that he thought he had gotten over seemingly bubbling up with every interaction. He felt like a teenager who had a silly little crush again and couldn't help feeling like Derek was doing this on purpose.

They stepped back to admire their handiwork, the moment passed, the tension dissipating like a wisp of smoke in the air. 

And as they parted ways that evening, Stiles couldn't help but wonder if Derek felt the same pull and if everything that happened was deliberate, if the tension that lingered between them was a reflection of the longing that simmered just beneath the surface for years and had no chance to come up, until now.

But for now, they had a birthday to celebrate, and Stiles pushed aside his own desires. 

The next day, they busied themselves with preparations for Eli's seventh birthday party, Malia, Cora and Noah joined in on the celebration as they laughed and joked about how much Derek had changed.

As the party got underway, laughter and chatter filled the air as Eli's friends and family gathered to celebrate. Derek watched fondly as Eli opened his presents and blew out the candles on his cake, a sense of pride swelling in his chest at the sight of his son surrounded by love and laughter.

But as the evening wore on and the guests began to depart, a lingering sense of tension settled over Derek and Stiles as they found themselves alone in the kitchen, the remnants of the party strewn about them as they set to work cleaning up.

Silence hung heavy between them, punctuated only by the clatter of dishes and the occasional rustle of movement. But beneath the surface, the air crackled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings.

As they worked side by side, their movements synchronized in the quiet rhythm of the night, Derek couldn't shake the feeling of Stiles's presence beside him, the warmth of his body a tangible presence in the air making him feel safe.

And as they finished cleaning up, the kitchen silent and empty around them, this time Derek was left wondering if Stiles longed for him the way he seemed to be longing for Stiles. He hadn't felt this way in a long time. After he met Claire, he was so focused on her and their baby, he never even wondered if he had moved on completely from Stiles.

He stole a glance at Stiles, the soft glow of the overhead lights casting shadows across his face, and found himself longing to bridge the gap between them, to finally give voice to the feelings that had been simmering just beneath the surface for so long.

But as they stood in the quiet of the kitchen, the moment passed, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. And as they bid each other goodnight, the tension between them still lingering, Derek couldn't help but wonder if the feeling was mutual.

The next few months passed with Stiles longing to get some answers for the way they were behaving around each other because it only seemed to get worse for him every time he visited.

First it started with a movie night where Derek and Stiles were left alone after Eli retired early.

As the credits rolled on the TV screen, casting a soft glow across the room, Stiles and Derek found themselves sitting side by side on the couch, the warmth of their bodies creating a cocoon of intimacy. 

Stiles shifted slightly, his shoulder brushing against Derek's, sending a jolt of electricity through them both. Stiles tensed at the contact, his breath catching in his throat as he fought to maintain his composure.

"Great movie, right?" Stiles remarked, his voice sounding slightly breathless as he glanced over at Derek.

"Yeah, it was," Derek replied, his tone almost curt as he cleared his throat, willing himself to focus on anything other than the way Stiles was sitting so close to him.

But despite his best efforts, Derek found himself drawn to Stiles, unable to tear his gaze away from the way the flickering light danced across his features, casting shadows and highlights that only served to accentuate the moles he loved to admire dotted across his face.

As the silence stretched between them, Stiles shifted again, this time leaning closer to Derek to adjust his socks, their thighs brushing against each other. Derek's heart thundered in his chest at the proximity, the warmth of Stiles's body seeping into his own.

"Are you okay?" Stiles asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he turned to face Derek.

Derek swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry as he met Stiles's gaze, the intensity of it stealing his breath away. "Yeah, I'm fine"

Stiles nodded before stating that he would retire for the night in the guest room since he was too tired to drive and that he had been drinking.

Later, it was the next day morning which made Stiles long for more.

Stiles woke up to find Derek making breakfast for the three of them and was greeted by Eli who was chatting away with his dad. As the 3 of them had breakfast together , Stiles couldn't help but feel like this all felt right and familiar. He knew he wanted more of this, just Derek, Eli and him spending time together.

The next incident occurred 2 months after when Derek had climbed into Stiles's room for old times sake.

In the quiet of the night, Stiles and Derek found themselves sitting on the roof, the soft glow of the moon casting shadows across their faces. The air was cool and still, the only sound the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Derek cleared his throat, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. "Stiles," he began, his voice quiet but steady, "I've been thinking a lot lately... about Claire."

Stiles turned to look at him, his brow furrowed with concern. "Yeah? What about her?" he asked, his voice gentle but filled with curiosity.

Derek took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say. "I think... I think I'm ready to let go," he admitted, his words hanging in the air like a weight.

Stiles's eyes widened in surprise, but he kept his expression neutral, not wanting to betray the rush of emotions that surged through him at Derek's confession. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice carefully measured.

Derek nodded, his gaze fixed on the ground in front of him. "Yeah, I think so. It's been years, and... she will always be special to me and Eli, but she wouldn't want me to spend the rest of my life alone...She will always be with us but she would want me to be happy," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

Stiles reached out, placing a hand on Derek's shoulder in a gesture of comfort. "You're right, Derek. That's not an easy thing to do but, she always wanted your happiness and Eli's... being alone to honour her death would not be something she would want." he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Derek looked up at him, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Thanks, Stiles. I appreciate that," he replied, his eyes locking with Stiles's in a moment of shared understanding.

And as they sat there in the stillness of the night, the tension between them seemed to crackle in the air, a silent reminder of the unspoken feelings that lingered just beneath the surface. But despite the electric charge that pulsed between them, they remained rooted in their shared moment of vulnerability, content to let their words hang in the air like a promise of what could be.

Finally, Stiles had come over for the Christmas holidays and had spent days on and off at Derek's until Eli had left for a small trip with Cora right after Christmas, but right before that, Eli had asked Stiles to bake him his famous blueberry pie to take on the road and Stiles knew he couldn't say no.

Before he knew it, he was back in Derek's kitchen baking and somehow his apron seemed to come undone again. Stiles rolled his eyes before calling Derek for help.

Derek smirked as he walked over while Stiles held onto the unbaked pie in his hands . As Stiles turned, he felt a hand on his hip stopping him.

Stiles's heart skipped a beat as Derek's hand settled on his hip, the warmth of his touch seeping through the fabric of his shirt. He found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move as Derek stepped closer, the only thing between them was the unbaked pie in Stiles's hands.

Their eyes locked, and Stiles felt a shiver run down his spine at the intensity of Derek's gaze. There was something in the way Derek looked at him, something that sent a rush of heat coursing through Stiles's veins.

Derek's fingers trailed along the edges of the apron, his touch sending sparks flying across Stiles's skin. Stiles's breath caught in his throat as Derek's proximity overwhelmed him, the air thick with the promise of something more.

For a moment, they stood there, caught in the space between them, the tension simmering beneath the surface like a coiled spring. And then, without a word, Derek leaned in, his lips hovering just inches from Stiles's, a silent invitation hanging between them.

Stiles's heart pounded in his chest as he felt Derek's breath against his skin, his own breath coming in shallow gasps. Every nerve in his body screamed for him to close the distance, to give in to the overwhelming desire that pulsed between them.

But just as he moved closer ,Derek moved to his ear and whispered "Careful now, You don't wanna drop the pie, do you?" He said a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. Stiles blinked in confusion, his mind reeling as he tried to process what had just happened.

And as Derek turned away, leaving Stiles standing there with his heart racing and his head spinning, Stiles knew, there was more to their relationship than either of them had dared to admit.

Once the pie had finished baking, Stiles set it out to cool for some time when Eli headed to the kitchen trying to get a bite when Stiles told him he would burn his tongue and to wait for an hour.

Stiles took off his apron cleaning himself up before heading to the living room where Derek was sitting and reading a book. He looked around to notice Eli had gone back to his room to pack and sat next to Derek who placed the paper down.

"Okay, I don't know what you think you are doing but this end now" Stiles stated raising his eyebrows

"What do you mean?" Derek asked seeming innocent

"Okay drop it" Stiles stated " You know damn well what I'm talking about. The silent glances, the lingering touches, sneakily trying to tease me."

Derek smirked before leaning forward looking down at Stiles's lips "Are you sure of it ?"

Stile moved closer looking between Derek's eyes " I dare you to tell me I'm wrong"

Derek looked up at at Stiles's eyes before saying " Only one way to find out."

"Dad!" Eli's voice interrupted them as they moved away "Where's my camping bag?"

"It's in your closet" Derek called out as they both stood up 

"I can't find it" Eli repeated as Derek turned to walk towards Eli's room when Stiles grabbed Derek's collar pulling him close "Come over tonight. My dad has a night shift and we can finish this once and for all. It's about time don't you think?"

Derek smirked hooking his fingers on Stiles's belt buckle pulling him closer " It's long overdue."

"Then prove it tonight" Stiles said letting go and walking away "Don't be late" He whispered

"Eli I'm leaving, Have fun on your camping trip and don't eat the pie until it's cooled down." Stiles called out

"Okay dad 2" Eli joked "Byee"

Stiles headed home and took a shower cleaning up his room before Derek was set to arrive. He grabbed a book and lay down on his bed as the sun set.

"So, Have you just been sitting in the dark waiting for me?" Derek asked stepping in through Stiles's window as Stiles sat up from his bed where the only source of light was his bedside lamp

"I was hoping you'd show up" Stiles said placing the book on his bedside table before standing up to meet Derek halfway. as they stood opposite to each other neither of them making a move.

"Why wouldn't I ?" Derek asked

"Don't know if you still want this" Stiles shrugged 

"Oh I do , Do you?" Derek asked raising his eyebrows

"I've wanted this for longer than you have Hale" Stiles said taking a step closer looking at Derek's lips while Derek did the same

"Is that so?" Derek said moving his hand too grab Stiles's face his thumb gently caressing his cheek while Stiles moved his hands to his shoulder intertwining his fingers behind Derek's back while Derek's other hand moved to pull him closer.

"Mhmm" Stiles said smirking 

They stood in the dimly lit room, their eyes locked in a silent conversation, each wordless exchange filling the space between them with unspoken desires.

Slowly, Derek leaned in, his hand still holding onto Stiles' cheek.  Stiles leaned into the warmth of Derek's hand, his breath catching in his throat as their eyes remained locked in a silent dance of longing.

And then, with a soft exhale, Derek closed the distance between them, his lips brushing against Stiles' in a light caress. It was a kiss filled with tenderness and vulnerability, a silent confession of the emotions that had been building between them for so long.

Stiles responded  as he deepened the kiss ever so slightly, their lips moving together in a slow, languid rhythm. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other, the world outside fading into insignificance as they finally allowed themselves to succumb to the undeniable pull of their hearts.

And in that moment, as their lips met in a soft, tender kiss, Stiles and Derek knew that they had found something truly precious in each other – a love that was worth every risk, every struggle, and every moment of uncertainty.

Derek pulled back after a while letting go of Stiles who opened his eyes to look up at Derek.

"That was" Stiles said clearing his throat " Wow, Not what I expected"

Derek smiled "Was it good? What did you expect?"

"No no it was great, I just thought you might be rougher, you know heat of the moment I need you now kind" Stiles said tilting his head 

"I didn't want you to think I was lusting after you, I wanted our first kiss to be memorable and slow" Derek shrugged 

Stiles pouted "That's so sweet, Now I feel bad"

"Don't, because you're gonna get exactly what  you want" Derek said moving both his hands to grab Stiles hips turning him before backing him up against the door as Stiles just looked at Derek his heart rate increasing before Derek looked down at Stiles lips capturing it with an urgent sense of longing.

Derek deepened the kiss as Stiles reciprocated moving his hands down to Derek's hips pulling him closer while Derek's hand rested on Stiles's hip, his thumb gently grazing his skin just under his shirt while the other moved from his cheek to his neck. Derek stopped kissing him for second before lightly biting Stiles's lower lip as Stiles moaned and pulled away for a second making Stiles miss the feeling of Derek's lips on his. Derek smirked before Stiles pulled him closer kissing him passionately.

This was the opposite of their previous kiss which was tender and soft while this one had a sense of urgency and want as they moved their bodies in sync.

Derek shifted his hips wrapping his arms around Stiles waist parting his lips deepening the kiss, Stiles moved his from his hip to Derek's chest before slipping his tongue while Derek did the same his hand moved lower to his hips as Stiles involuntarily thrust his hips forward when suddenly Derek pulled away leaving Stiles alone as he took a few steps back.

Stiles opened his eyes to find Derek standing by the side of his bed " Is that what you had in mind?" He asked a cocky grin on his face

Stiles swallowed hard before saying "I'm not letting you go that easily big guy"  walking upto him grabbing the side of his leather jacket pushing him onto the bed before climbing onto his lap and kissing him while tugging at his leather jacket as Derek sat up grabbing Stiles's thigh with one hand and shrugging off his jacket.

Derek moved his other hand to Stiles's back running his hands up and down as they moved their bodies in sync. Stiles pulled away for a second panting before asking "I don't want to pressure you into anything, We don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with Der."

"We can go at whatever pace you're comfortable with Stiles" Derek said his thumb caressing Stiles's cheek " If you don't want to do anything physical, it's okay. If you want to now, I'm ready."

"I want to feel your skin on mine and the warmth of your body against mine" Stiles said looking between Derek's eyes and lips

Derek nodded "We stop when you want to alright?" Derek asked as Stiles nodded before taking off his shirt while Derek did the same.

Derek leaned in to place a kiss on his jaw before moving to his neck and then down to his chest as Stiles moaned.

Derek pulled away as Stiles looked down at him "Your moles are so beautiful." Derek said tracing the moles on his upper body with his finger 

"They're like constellations each connected in someway, yet beautiful like a starry night" Derek said until he reached the last one

"That's probably the best compliment I've got" Stiles said smiling at him before leaning in to kiss him. 

Derek kissed him back before holding his back and the back of his neck before lifting him up and flipping him over so Stiles's back was on the bed and Derek was on top of him.

Derek removed his shirt throwing it to the side before leaning in to kiss Stiles's neck moving down to his chest as his hand remained by the side of his hips. Derek looked up at Stiles "Can I ?" He asked his hand moving down to the bottom of his stomach

"Yes Don't stop" Stiles moaned as Derek slipped his hand under Stiles's joggers palming his erection earning a yes from Stiles. He moved his hand to grab his length rubbing his thumb over the tip feeling the precum before slowly moving his hand up and down as Stiles moaned in response.

Derek leaned forward to capture Stiles's nub in his mouth earning a loud gasp from Stiles "Oh fuck Derek"

"You like that?" Derek asked pulling away

"Mhmm" Stiles said thrusting his hips upwards as he bit his lower lip his hand moving to grab Derek's hair as Derek moved over to his chest

Derek flicks his tongue over Stiles's nipples making him moan loudly against Derek who just smirked in response before continuing to pump his fist while stimulating Stiles's nipples

Derek closes his lips around the nub and sucks on it looking up at Stiles

"Oh fuck Derek" Stiles lets out a breathy groan

Derek give the nubs a final tug and lick making Stiles thrust his hips forward harder making him moan while doing the same to the other one, teasing him by rubbing his thumb around the now hard nipples rubbing circles around it .

Derek continued pumping him in slow gentle strokes making Stiles breathless when

"Faster. Please" Stiles moaned pulling down his joggers freeing his erection while Derek moved to kiss his neck while moving his hand a little faster

"Fuck Derek" Stiles moaned tilting his head back and biting his lower lip.

Derek continued to kiss the sensitive spot by his neck as Stiles continued moaning and thrusting his hips forward

Derek decided he was going to torture Stiles more by moving back down to his nipples taking them in his mouth and gently tugging it and licking it while pumping his fist faster/

"Oh fuck." Stiles groaned throwing his head back feeling an overwhelming sense of pleasure spread across his body as he came on his stomach.

"Oh shit" Stiles said breathless "That was.. Wow, You were amazing" 

Derek pulled open Stiles's drawer taking out some tissues and cleaning it up for him.

"Thank you, so were you" Derek replied

"Oh you haven't seen anything just yet." Stiles said pulling Derek closer "It's your turn big guy"

"Is that so?" Derek asked as Stiles pushed him onto the bed while going down on his knees

"Just say the word and you'll see" Stiles smirked 

"Go ahead, show me what you got" Derek said tugging his pants as Stiles helped him take it off

Stiles gently grabbed Derek's erection pumping his fist up and down as Derek started breathing hard. Stiles looked up meeting Derek's eyes who nodded before Stiles moved closer.

Stiles grabs Derek's shaft and licks just the tip making his way down to his shaft and then back up, slowly at first earning a breath moan from Derek.

"Is this some sort of torture ?" Derek asked breathless as Stiles continued sucking while looking up at Derek 

"Yes it is " Stiles joked lowering himself further sucking his cockhead, little at first and then going deeper looking up at Derek while moving his hand up to his chest and then down to his nipples rubbing gentle circles with his thumb while Derek grabbed Stiles's hair resting on his arms to position himself better before moving in sync as Derek bobbed his head up and down while the other gripped the sheet.

Stiles continued torturing Derek's cock and enjoyed as Derek stood up straight and grabbed Stiles's hair pulling his head back as Stiles moved away.

"Thrust into me" Stiles said before moving his mouth back onto Derek's cock sucking it and moving his tongue around his sensitive area making Derek buck his hips forward to match Stiles's movements. Derek was cursing and moaning as Stiles continued sucking him while his other hand tortured Derek's nipple, which were being gently tugged 

"Fuck fuck Stiles, I'm going to cum" Derek replied panting breathless as Stiles pulled away for a second 

"Tap my shoulder when you are about to" Stiles said as Derek nodded "Like I said, don't be afraid to be rough with me Derek" He said before moving his mouth to his erection as Derek grabbed Stiles hair gripping it a little harder before thrusting into his mouth a little faster moaning louder before pulling away ad collapsing on the bed jerking himself off before he came on his chest.

Derek stayed panting on the bed grabbing a few tissues as Stiles laid down next to him.

"Who knew that your high energy levels would be of use in bed?" Derek said cleaning himself up and discarding the tissue in the dustbin before pulling Stiles up by his arm

"You don't the half of it Derek Hale" Stiles said letting Derek pull him into the shower.

They joked around and washed themselves up getting a little handsy before stepping out to change 

"Wait, I have something for you" Stiles said opening his cupboard to grab a red sweater handing it to Derek along with a pair of oversized shorts

"You still have my sweater?" Derek asked putting it on

"Of course I do" Stiles said changing into his pajamas "I needed something to remind me of you."

Derek smiled pulling in Stiles for a kiss before they lay down on the bed.

Stiles smiled looking at Derek fondly before saying "Not to ruin the vibe but..my dad is going to be home at like 5 .."

"I know" Derek said "I've gotta go back home to Eli and I intend to go back alive, not with a gunshot wound from your dad."

Stiles grinned "That doesn't mean you can't stay the night"

Derek nodded before pulling Stiles closer as they drifted off to sleep.

Stiles and Derek spent the next few days sneaking around anytime Derek was free and when Stiles was alone.

"It's my last night here " Stiles said looking at Derek who was asleep on the bed next to him

"Hmm" Derek said 

"I'm gonna miss you" Stiles said moving his hand to caress Derek's face gently

Derek opened his eyes looking at Stiles pulling him in for a kiss before saying "I'm going to miss you too Stiles."

Stiles sighed looking at Derek before saying "This is going to work right?"

"What do you mean?" Derek asked moving closer

"Long distance and you managing your time with Eli and me" Stiles stated

"I believe in us" Derek stated looking between Stiles's eyes

"Derek" Stiles said swallowing hard " I want this to work, it's going to be tough..but I want us to make it work."

"I do too Stiles, We've taken long enough to get here." Derek said " I won't let anything happen to us."

Stiles smiled pulling him closer and kissed him as they fell asleep in each others arms.

It was 3 weeks before they saw each other again when Derek drove upto Stiles's apartment few hours away but that  was short lived as Eli got injured on his camping trip. Derek felt bad about having to leave within 12 hours of having been together but Stiles reassured him that it was okay.

Stiles drove back to Beacon hills 2 weeks later to spend the weekend at his dads place and to see Derek. 

They spent time together during the 2nd half on Saturday and Sunday with Eli before they said their goodbyes aching to be with each other for longer but not saying anything to the other.

The cycle just repeated over the net 3 months with short visits where they barely got to spend time with each other or were busy with their own schedules to find time for each other.

Finally, Derek drove up to Stiles's place for one weekend when Cora was visiting. 

When he pulled up to Stiles's place it was about 8 p.m and he was exhausted from a tiring day at the hale auto shop.

He entered and took of his shoes heading straight for the couch crashing on it in exhaustion as Stiles closed the door rolling his eyes

"Yeah hello to you, I missed you too" Stiles said standing in front of the couch his hands on his hips

Derek looked at Stiles before standing up and pulling him closer kissing him "I'm sorry, I'm just really tired. Of course I missed you."

Stiles exhaled before saying "Fine, I'll let you go this time."

Derek smiled before sitting back down as Stiles sat down next to him

"How was your day?" Stiles asked

"It was good, tiring, lot of customers today." Derek sighed

"You hungry?" Stiles asked 

"Starving" Derek stated as Stiles walked over to the kitchen and coming out with two bowls in his hand placing it on the table in front of them

"Thank you Stiles" Derek said kissing his cheek before digging into the noodles as they chatted about Stiles's work before keeping their bowls in the kitchen and heading to the bedroom

"Just wait here okay, I'll freshen up" Stiles said walking into the bathroom as Derek crashed on the bed.

Stiles took a quick shower cleaning himself up, a little nervous because he wanted today to be their first time going all the way.

He looked at himself in the mirror adjusting his hair and sweatpants taking a deep breath to pace himself before stepping out opening his mouth to say something only to find Derek fast asleep on the bed.

He sighed grabbing his shirt and turning off the light before settling down next to Derek.

The next day morning he woke up to find Derek missing next to him

He wandered to the kitchen to find Derek sitting on the couch reading a book and noticed the dishes were done.

"Morning sunshine" Derek said walking up to him and kissing him 

"Morning." Stiles groaned pulling away and walking up to grab coffee

"What do you want to do today?" Derek asked as Stile grabbed a mug pouring some coffee in it from the pot

"I don't know" Stiles said avoiding eye contact

Derek walked up to him turning his head to face him "Is everything okay?"

"I don't know Derek" Stiles said walking away 

"Let's talk, what's bothering you?" Derek said following him

Stiles sighed turning around "I've been waiting for 3 weeks now, everytime you've come over you're too tired. We barely spend any time together, and we haven't been physical in like a month."

Derek crossed his arms across his chest "I know, it has nothing to do with you. It's just that I have so much work with Eli and the Auto shop and then travelling, it just takes a toll on me. I'm sorry "

"I know , but...whenever one of us travels to see the other, the most we get is half a day together, 1 day if we are lucky cause we are too busy ."Stiles shrugged

"Stiles, I'm worried about Eli, he's not been showing any signs of being a wolf and I've had to spend more time with him for it." Derek replied 

"I know, Of course Eli is your priority. I don't want you to give up any of it. But this travelling back and forth, barely seeing each other or barely talking to each other, are we even together?" Stiles said placing the coffee mug down.

"Of course we are" Derek said walking closer

"Well, It doesn't feel like it" Stiles said crossing his arms across his chest "Long distance is hard, but I don't want you to be exhausted anytime you see me or give up your time with Eli to be with me" 

"Stiles-" Derek started 

"Let's..just take a break to sort things out between us alright?" Stiles sighed 

"What?" Derek asked stepping closer "Stiles I don't want that, We need to figure this out together." 

"Derek" Stiles said looking at him his eyes welling up with tears " We need this. To figure out what we both want and how to make this work.. if this is really what we want"

Derek grabbed Stiles's face with his hand caressing his cheek with his thumb as Stiles closed his eyes placing his hand on top of Derek's "I want this Stiles, I want you, I want us. Nothing is going to change that, but I need to figure out how to balance long distance with you while looking out for Eli."

"I know, I don't blame you" Stiles said looking at Derek "Things just never seem to get easier with us huh?"

Derek swallowed hard tilting his head "No, they don't "

"Let's take some time away. Not contact each other for at least a month." Stiles said "Or it's gonna be too hard for me Derek."

Derek nodded letting go of Stiles "Okay, I'll wait for you to reach out, we need to figure this out separately before getting together"

Stiles nodded "This isn't going to be easy on me Der" 

"It's not gonna be easy on me either Stiles, but I suppose you're right" Derek said "We need some time apart."

Stiles let go of Derek's hand that he was holding before turning to walk away before grabbing his things and heading back on the road.

Derek swallowed hard looking at Stiles who was holding back his tears heading out feeling his eyes well up with tears. 

Derek spent the next one month journaling any time he thought about Stiles and focusing most of his attention on Eli while Stiles on the other hand spent his time throwing himself into work and longing everyday to call Derek but stopping himself.

Before they knew it, a month and a half had passed and Stiles was miserable, he knew that he messed up by bringing up this idea of a break and he had to find a way to correct it.

Stiles called Braeden asking her about her job and if he could sign up for it part time while working from Beacon Hills. She explained to him that there would be a training period of 2 months after which he could accept assignment requests based on his availability. He thanked her before signing up and deciding that he was going to move back to Beacon Hills. 

Not only to be closer to his dad but also for Derek. His current job was mostly him working on gathering evidence for cases and handing it over to the agents responsible while he joined them every now and then.

Initially he enjoyed it but now he felt a sense of longing for company, for a family and this was not good for him long term. After talking to Braeden he figured out he would help her with cases and rarely go out on stakeouts for the sake of his safety.

He spent the next few weeks packing up and informing his dad about his plans , telling him not to let anyone know just yet until everything was finalised.

Once he had packed up and the moving truck had left with some of his furniture the previous day, Stiles did a quick sweep of his apartment to see if he had left anything behind before sighing and shutting the door to head out on the road.

He was a little sleep deprived but decided he had to go back to set things right with Derek.

2.5 hours into his trip, he yawned as he noticed the Beacon Hills sign board knowing he was only an hour away.

After 15 minutes, while he was right outside the town, his eyes felt heavy as he closed them when he heard a loud honking noise waking him up as he saw a bus flashing it's headlights while he immediately swerved out of the way turning the wheel frantically as his jeep spun out control hitting a tree as it crashed. Stiles hit his head on the steering wheel while his chest hit the side of gear passing out.

Stiles woke up to a voice that sounded far away 

"Stiles! Wake up" He heard "Stiles please" 

Stiles slowly opened his eyes to find Derek kneeling in front of him grabbing his face to take away some of his pain 

"Derek?" Stiles called out feeling a little relieved 

"Yeah, What the hell were you thinking?" Derek asked looking worried "Come on, let's get you to the hospital"

"No, no hospital" Stiles said as Derek lifted him up "Dad will worry"

"Stiles, he's going to find out anyway when they see your car here" Derek stated

"Please Der" Stiles said as Derek placed him carefully in his Camaro

Derek reluctantly agreed before driving to his loft to help clean up his wound

As Derek helped him into the loft, He helped him upto his table

"Just stand here , I'll help u" Derek said pointing at the table as Stiles leaned against it 

Derek came back with a medical box in his hand placing it by the table opening it to take out the antiseptic and putting it on some cotton before walking closer

"This is gonna sting" Derek said shifting as Stiles exhaled before cleaning the cut by the side of his head as Stiles closed his eyes flinching in response

"Sorry" Derek whispered before putting his free hand by the side of Stiles's face to take away his pain as Stiles opened his eyes at the sudden contact looking up at Derek.

Derek moved his gaze meeting Stiles's big brown eyes looking up at him as Stiles looked away.

Derek cleaned up the wound before taking another piece and gently tilting Stiles head before cleaning the dried up blood which had trailed down to his neck.

He placed the cotton down before assessing Stiles face for any other injuries not moving back as Stiles just swallowed hard looking between Derek's eyes and lips.

"Did you injure yourself in any other place?" Derek asked meeting his eyes

Stiles shook his head "No, just hit myself a little by my ribs 

"Lift up your shirt" Derek said while Stiles did as said

Derek looked to find a small purplish bruise by his rib.

"Can I?" Derek asked looking at Stiles who nodded in response

Derek placed his hand over the bruise Stiles flinching at the sudden contact on warm skin on his. He watched as Derek's veins turned black and the bruise slowly disappeared.

Derek moved his hand away and Stiles put his shirt down thanking him as Derek made no effort to step back.

"What the hell were you thinking drive that fast?" Derek asked looking at Stiles 

Stiles looked down at Derek's lips before hesitating and looking away saying " I..uhm..wanted to see you."

"And that couldn't wait?" Derek asked raising his eyebrows moving a hand by the side of the table looking at Stiles who finally turned to look up at him.

Stiles looked up at Derek's eyes before moving his gaze down to his lips while Derek did the same. 

Stiles swallowed hard taking a deep breath before Derek gave him a subtle nod.

Stiles took this as his sign grabbing Derek and closing the distance between them capturing Derek's lips in his, with an urgent need as one arm grabbed his face while the other pulled him closer by the waist. Derek immediately responded by pulling Stiles close wrapping one arm around his waist while the other grabbed his neck. 

Stiles continued kissing him with passion and urgency as their lips moved against the others in sync. Derek moved his hands down to Stiles's thighs caressing it when Stiles broke the kiss pulling away.

"I'm..I'm sorry I know I said we should be on a break  " Stiles replied trying to move away 

Derek stopped him with his hands on Stiles's hips pulling him back "Stiles. Do you want this?"

"Yes, but I don't want to-" Stiles stated 

"Eli loves you" Derek said "He's spent time with you every time you've been here." Derek responded " We'll figure it out slowly, but the long distance is still-"

"I'm moving back to Beacon Hills" Stiles interrupted

"What, why?" Derek asked surprised

"For you" Stiles replied "I messed up, I don't need a break, we should've figured it out together. You were right"

Stiles looked at Derek waiting for a response "Are you sure?" 

"Yes." Stiles said "Don't you think we've waited enough?" 

"We have for too long" Derek said "I'm just worried"

"So am I, but we have to take a shot at it and figure it out together like you said " Stiles said as Derek nodded

"But If I have you, I'm not gonna let you go ever again." Stiles said moving his hands to grab Derek's face

"Trust me I have the same intentions" Derek said before pulling him in for a kiss as Stiles reciprocated moving his hands to grab Derek's hips pulling him closer.

Derek moved his hands to Stiles thighs grabbing it and lifting him to place him on the table earning a surprise noise from Stiles. 

Derek shifted his hips wrapping his arms around Stiles waist as he parts his lips deepening the kiss, Stiles moves his hand to his neck before slipping his tongue while Derek does the same his hand moved lower to grab Stiles hips as Stiles rest one hand in the middle of Derek's chest.

Derek moved closer so their bodies were moving in sync as Stiles moaned into the kiss. 

Stiles tilted his head parting his mouth sweeping his tongue over Derek's bottom lip drawing a shaky breath as Derek gently bit Stiles lower lip a sound of pleasure escaping his lip as Derek let go of it. 

Derek's hand moved under Stiles's shirt, running up and down his back while Stiles moved his hand to rest by the side of Derek's hips. Derek grabbed Stiles's thighs lifting him up and carrying him to the bed.

Derek and Stiles eased into their relationship, taking their time to understand each other. After about a year of dating, they decided to tell Cora who was happy for them but said she was not surprised. Stiles then decided to slowly tell his friend starting with Scott and then Malia, hesitating to tell Lydia but deciding it was better if she found out form him directly.

Eventually, Without needing to say it, they became a family. But telling Noah, Stiles' dad, about them? That felt like scaling a mountain. Every attempt fizzled out, nerves getting the best of them.

Eventually, they gathered the courage to tell Noah who just replied with "Well it was about time."

Noah gave Derek the "Dad talk" after dinner before Derek decided to stay the night .

Although they managed to tell Noah, the real hurdle was Eli. They wanted to be honest with him, but each time they tried, a knot formed in their throats. They loved him fiercely, but the fear of shaking his world or their dynamics kept them quiet.

Under the soft glow of moonlight, Derek and Stiles found themselves entwined in each other's arms, nestled in the comfort of their shared bed. The topic of moving in together had been lingering in the air

As they lay there, the warmth of their bodied enveloping them, Derek tentatively broached the subject. "Hey, Stiles," he murmured, as Stiles's fingers traced invisible patterns on Derek's chest. "You ever think about us getting a place together?"

Stiles's breath hitched slightly at the suggestion, his heart skipping a beat. He turned to meet Derek's gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Yeah, I have," he admitted, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But what about Eli?"

"I've been ready to tell him since the first year of us being together ,You wanted to wait" Derek stated his thumb grazing Stiles's cheek

"I know..." Stiles stated "I just.. don't want him to look at me differently." 

"He will but,,,it's going to be for a good reason. You practically raised him, he loves you and looks up to you." Derek stated

"I ..I know." Stiles stated "He sees me as your friend..I don't know how that's gonna change when he knows I'm your boyfriend."

"It's not gonna change, If anything he'll love you more." Derek stated "You can work from anywhere. Might as well stay with us , that way you'll be closer to your dad.."

"I wanted to surprise you." Stiles stated "By getting a new place...for us"

"Is that so?" Derek asked as Stiles smiled and nodded

"But moving in sounds better." Stiles said "It sounds... right."

Their conversation ebbed and flowed, filled with laughter and moments of quiet contemplation. They discussed the logistics of moving in together, how they'd figure out moving Stiles's things in and fitting everything.

But as they delved deeper into their plans, the thought of telling Eli weighed heavily on their minds. "What about Eli?" Stiles asked softly, his voice tinged with concern. "How do we tell him?"

Derek's expression softened, his fingers tangling with Stiles'. "We'll figure it out," he reassured him, his tone gentle yet determined. "We'll make sure he knows that no matter what, we're a family."

Slowly, Stiles started staying over more often but Stiles was worried about telling Eli. 6 months later, Stiles had a stakeout in the town nearby for a month before which he had a minor argument with Derek about moving in.

"Stiles, We should just tell him." Derek stated as Stiles packed 

"Derek I want to. Trust me, I just-" Stile started

"You just want to be sure. I know." Derek stated "Stiles what is this really about ? Do you not want to take the next step?"

Stiles turned around, feeling the weight of Derek's gaze bearing down on him. "It's not that I don't want to take the next step, Derek. I do, I really do," he insisted, his voice tinged with frustration. "But there's just so much going on right now, and I need to be sure we're making the right decision."

Derek's jaw clenched, his patience wearing thin. "Stiles, we've been together for years. I thought we were past this," he said, his tone laced with disappointment. "What are you really trying to say?"

Stiles hesitated, the words catching in his throat. "I'm scared, Derek," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Scared of messing things up, of losing what we have. I just don't want to make the wrong decision."

Derek's expression softened, his disappointment giving way to understanding. "Stiles, I get it. I do," he said, reaching out to gently cup Stiles' cheek. "But we can't keep putting our future on hold because of fear. We either take the leap together or we don't."

A heavy silence settled between them, the weight of Derek's words hanging in the air. Stiles felt a pang of guilt gnawing at him, knowing that he was the one holding them back. "I'm sorry, Derek," he whispered, his voice wavering with emotion. "I just need some time to sort things out."

Without another word, Derek pulled away, his expression unreadable. With a heavy heart, he turned and walked out the door, leaving Stiles alone with his thoughts.

As Stiles watched Derek leave, a wave of regret washed over him. He knew he had let his fears get the best of him, pushing away the person he loved most. With a heavy heart, he gathered his things and left town, knowing that things at work were piling up and now he had Derek had this argument.

For the first 2 weeks, Derek and Stiles just spoke checking in on each other before Derek brought up the argument they had leading to them not talking for a week.

Stiles was driving at what seemed like a 100 miles per hour at 2 a.m his heart beating out of his chest, his mind wandering to just a few minutes back when he heard the news.

Stiles had been woken up from his sleep by the sound of his ringtone. He woke up and reached out to his side table to see who it was, The caller id read "Dad" .

"Dad?" Stiles groaned confused as the light from his phone hit his eyes making him frown as it lit up his otherwise dark room. The digital clock read 1:38a.m as he swiped his thumb across the green button picking up the call.

"Dad?" Stiles's voice came out gruff as he cleared his throat before continuing "Are you okay? Is everything ok?" 

Stiles stayed quiet for a second as he heard his dad sigh on the other side and sat up in his bed "Dad? What's wrong?" He asked his voice laced with concern.

"Stiles" His dad said as he struggled to find the words " Stiles it's.. it's" he hesitated 

"Take a breath Dad, What's wrong?" Stiles said now awake and worried about what he was trying to tell him

"Stiles it's Derek" his dad said 

"What? Dad what happened to Derek?" Stiles asked his heart beating faster moving his sheets away and putting his feet on the ground.

"Stiles...Derek..."  His dad sniffed "He's...he's gone" 

Stiles felt like his heart leapt out of his chest when he heard that, his eyes tearing up. "Dad What ... what..do you mean? What do you mean gone? Like left Beacon Hills?" He said stuttering.

"He...he..was trying to protect Eli and he sacrificed himself" His dad said 

What?!! Why didn't anybody stop him? Why would he do that?!" Stiles asked standing up as he grabbed a bag and started randomly throwing his things into it. His question was accompanied with silence before Noah said 

"I wasn't there son" Noah said "I was too late. I'm sorry"

"It's , its not your fault dad" Stiles said grabbing his brush and a few other things to put into his bag.

"I'm on my way." Stiles said trying to hold back the hurt and anger "Wait, where is Eli staying?" 

"Scott and Allison wanted to but Eli said he felt comfortable staying with me "Noah started

"Dad, Thanks for telling me..I..I'm on my way " Stiles said ending the call.

He grabbed his clothes, some necessities, his car keys as he pulled on some pants and a flannel almost tripping over himself making his way out of his room.

Stiles snapped back to the present one hand on the steering wheel the other one near his mouth as he chewed on his nail nervously his thoughts running haywire. He didn't want to believe that Derek could actually be dead, but knowing Derek's history of being a sacrificial lamb, he knew that it could be true. What he couldn't believe was how no one stopped him.

He would have never stepped out for this long mission if he knew it would mean that it was the last time he saw Derek.

"Damn it" Stiles muttered his eyes welling up with tears as he bit his lip trying to hold back the tears.

It was about 5 a.m by the time he pulled into his dads driveway, turned off the engine to his car as he grabbed his things before walking up the porch stairs and knocking on the door.

"Hey dad" Stiles said as his dad pulled him in for a hug

"Hey son, Welcome home" Sheriff Stillinski said hugging him tight" Keep your voice down, I just got Eli to calm down and sleep a while back"

"Yeah ok" Stiles replied his voice low as he closed the door behind him "But I need you to catch me up on everything dad"

His dad sighed," Stiles don't you think it would be better to have this conversation after you've got some rest?" 

"No, I need to know everything dad. Please." Stiles whispered "You're the only one who knows about us."

His dad walked towards the dining table and said "Fine. but you need to promise me that you will take rest for some time after and not go out to try and find a solution right away"

Stiles put his bag down on the floor and pulled out a chair before agreeing. His dad sighed and began explaining everything that went down not leaving out any details as Stiles listened intently.

His eyes widening in horror as he heard about Allison being resurrected and his eyebrows furrowed in anger as he heard what Derek did or how Derek sacrificed himself. What made him angrier was how no one stopped him , considering he had done everything to help the pack and the fact that he had finally found happiness and a family.

Stiles stood up and took deep breaths as he tried to calm his anger. He knew what Scott was going to say, that it was for the collective good and some other bullshit about doing the right thing.

"Dad why didn't you tell me this before? And how can you have a funeral without a body?" Stiles whisper-shouted.

"Stiles, you told me about the problems you were facing at your job and I didn't want to disturb you, I called you a day later because I felt guilty for hiding something like this from you." Sheriff Stillinski replied.

Stiles massaged his forehead trying to process everything he just heard. He knew that his dad's intentions were well intended but he also felt like he was too late to hear everything and be there for the pack, for Eli.

He took a deep breath before saying "I am going to bring Derek back, it makes no sense that there was no ashes or a body of any kind, I will figure it out. I don't know what the hell they were thinking." He said not trying to hold back the hurt and anger he felt

"Stiles, I know you are angry and hurt right now, but that is not going to bring Derek back. You NEED to take rest right now and wake up well rested or else you won't be able to think clearly." His dad said standing up and putting a hand on his shoulder.

"You know it is the right thing to do. You are hurting and are angry right now, you can't make any decisions when you are in such a state. Take some rest, freshen up and then think about what you can do. " His dad replied

Stiles sighed. He knew his dad was right. "Yeah okay, I will do that." He replied picking up his bag and slowly walking upstairs to not make any noise and wake up Eli. He walked past the guest room where he could hear small snores and smiled to himself, as it reminded him of his dad , turning it into a bittersweet moment.

He took a deep breath before entering his room and putting down his bag taking in the familiar view he hadn't seen in a while. He changed into some comfortable shorts and a shirt before heading to bed. He opened up his phone to type a mail to his boss about the leave before putting his phone down and turning to face his now closed bedroom door.

Stiles sighed and smiled as he remembered the first few interactions he had with Derek when he was a "fugitive". As Stiles took a walk down memory lane, a weariness settled in his eyes, coaxing him into a state of deep sleep.

Stiles woke up the next day to the sound of a something breaking downstairs in the kitchen, he rubbed his eyes with the palm of his hand before heading downstairs to see Eli standing in the kitchen.

"Eli" Stiles called out as Eli turned to see Stiles

"Stiles" Eli said walking up to him and enveloping him in a tight hug as Stiles did the same back.

Stiles ran his hand through Eli's hair comforting him "I'm so sorry this happened, It's not right". He heard Eli sniffles and teared up a little as they pulled away.

"Hey" Stiles said putting a hand on his shoulder "I'm going to get your dad back, okay. I promise"

Eli nodded wiping away his tears before saying " Sorry about the mug, I was trying to make some tea "

"Don't worry about it, I'll make you something, Just take a quick shower" Stiles stated

Eli nodded heading upstairs as Stiles watched his concerned about how hard this was for Eli.

He cleaned up the glass shards on the floor before looking through the shelves to find some one-pot cooking sachets he had left, grabbing one of them to make it.

A few minutes later, he turned as he heard Eli pull up a chair and sit down quietly.

He placed the food down in front of him before sitting next to Eli. 

He gave Eli his space knowing he would talk when he was ready.

"How did you find out?" Eli asked after a while

"My dad called me yesterday" Stiles said "It wasn't fair what they did to him and I am so sorry for what you had to witness. If I were here, I would have never let him do that. Even if it was the greater good as your dad would say "

Eli nodded " Dad did it to protect me. "

"Your dad has always protected the people he cared about, but this just doesn't sit right with me Eli." Stiles said as they continued eating.

"I am going to go freshen up and get to work. I will need you help with a couple of things, do you have your phone?" Stiles asked as they finished up and placed the dishes in the sink.

Eli nodded "Call me if you need anything okay?" Stiles said raising his eyebrows 

Eli agreed before heading upstairs as Stiles grabbed the keys to his care heading out. 

Stiles pulled into the familiar driveway and let out a deep breath before knocking on the door. The door opened to find the older man looking at him confused " Stiles? What are you doing back?" He asked

"Hi doctor Deaton. I am here to bring back Derek " Stiles replied

Deaton sighed and let him in. They discussed everything that happened over a cup of herbal tea as Stiles said, "But doctor, wouldn't there be some remnants of him? His dogtags or ashes, something? No one just vaporizes into thin air like that." Stiles says sipping his tea

"That's right Stiles, I thought of it too. It is very unlikely for anyone to die like that.. unless.." Deaton hesitated

"Unless they aren't really dead" They replied at the same time

"I read once that, if someone were fighting against the Nogitsune, when it takes someone or possesses someone, the person could be trapped in the nogitsune's void. Their physical body could either perish or be trapped somewhere else. " Deaton replied

"Doctor do you think there is a chance that the Nogitsune tried to take Derek with him but because Derek ended up fighting back, his subconscious is stuck in the void, and his physical body could be hidden somewhere?" Stiles asked curiously.

Deaton looked at Stiles like he fit the last piece of the puzzle. "Yes there is a high chance that would be possible Stiles" 

"What do you think we should do about it ?" Stiles asked 

"Well, we could try to contact Derek by doing what we did with you Scott and Allison." Deaton replied "But..." his voice trailed off

"But..?" Stiles asked curiosity killing him

"But.. we would need someone close to him..the closest possibly" Deaton said sighing

"Not Eli" Stiles said outright rejecting the idea "Can I go in? I think it would help. "

Deaton nodded understanding that Stiles was Derek's anchor

"Okay...okay... Can we do it now Doc?" Stiles asked

"Yes Stiles but we need someone who you trust to hold you under" Deaton replied 

"I'll call up my dad and get him here " Stiles replied picking up his phone

"You also need a possession of Derek's before you go under" Deaton reminded him

"I will call Eli" He replied making another call. Within a few minutes, Noah showed up with Eli right behind him.

"Hey Doc, Is this whole thing ..you know safe?" Noah asked a little worried

"Yes it is, considering that your son did this for you, when you were taken, this won't be too difficult for him" Deaton replied

"What?!" Noah asked looking at Stiles like he had just heard brand new information "I didn't know that"

"Uhmm.." Stiles hesitated "It was a long time ago and I am fine now dad.. so let's just move on" he rambled

"Uhm, What's going on?" Eli asked seeing the icebath and the 3 men pouring more ice into it. 

"This is essentially a way to try and contact your father to see if he is still alive" Stiles replied "Do you have what I asked you to bring?"

"Yeah yeah, it's right here" Eli said pulling out the talisman from his pocket and handing it to Stiles.

Stiles had kept this talisman with him whenever he went out of town for a few days and had left it on his desk today morning.

"Are you ready Stiles?" Deaton asked 

"Good luck Stiles, Thank you, once again" Eli replied 

Stiles patted Eli's head and smiled before nodding to Deaton. He took a deep breath and walked upto the ice bath. He held onto the tub from both sides with his hands shuddering as he put one foot into the ice cold water followed by the other as the temperature of the water stung his legs and slowly the rest of his body as he lowered it into the tub.

He took deep breathes and exhaled as he held onto the talisman in one hand , his whole body now submerged. "I'm ready " Stiles said to Deaton

"Noah hold onto his shoulder and gently push him down" Deaton instructed 

Noah took a deep breath furrowing his eyebrows in worry before holding onto his son's shoulder and gently pushing him underwater until he was submerged.

After a few minutes the bubbles on the surface of the water stopped and Stiles had slipped into his subconscious mind.

Stiles gasped for air as he emerged out of the tub into the familiar room surrounded by white walls all around. He stepped out of the tub and looked around to see a silhouette a little further away.

He started walking towards it and noticed as the figure looked quite familiar. When he finally got close enough, he saw the man looking at a chess board with only the king's piece on the board. 

"Derek" Stiles gasped out his heart heavy

Derek turned around to see Stiles standing there. "Stiles?" Derek asked

"You're alive. Fuck. I knew it" Stiles exhaled

"Stiles what are you doing here?" Derek asked trying to walk upto him as Stiles took a step back.

"Derek don't come any closer, we need to find you. Can you tell where you are?" Stiles asked

"What?" Derek asked "I - I don't know" 

"Derek, Look around you. "What do you see? Can you smell anything?" Stiles called out "Please Der"

Derek closed his eyes and tried to remember what he saw last " I saw burnt wood and and I guess some kind of red splinters right before i passed out"

"Red ?" Stiles asked confused " I'll figure it out , We are going to find you and I'm so gonna kill you when we do"

Stiles tried walking a step closer feeling the room spin trying to reach out to Derek screaming his name before he fell down a black void and coming out gasping for air as he broke the tension on the surface of the water, coughing as he got out of the ice water getting out of the tub.

He fell to his knees as he coughed the water from his lungs, Eli wrapped a warm blanket around him to prevent him from getting hypothermia as his dad rubbed his arms to warm him up.

After Stiles had some time to adjust , he heard the front door creak open to find a familiar man walk in.

"Stillinski" Peter's voice came

"P-Peter" Stiles shivered 

"I-I called him, I thought he could help. Should I have not?" Eli asked worried he had done the wrong thing.

"No , I was going to call him up anyway " Stiles replied "Don't worry kiddo"

"So, what did you see" Peter asked looking around at the water and ice.

Stiles explained what he saw to Peter Eli and Deaton as Peter listened intently.

"Why did he have only a king piece on the chess board?" Peter questioned

Stiles sighed "I had him as the king on the chess board while explaining the supernatural world to my dad" 

Peter raised his eyebrows smirking before saying "Interesting"

Stiles narrowed his eyes giving him a funny look before saying "Anyway"

"He might be trapped somewhere there, but he's alive" Stiles replied looking at Eli

"Dad's alive? He 's- he's really here?" Eli said 

"Yes he is, we just need to figure out where" Stiles said

"He was burned at the Nematon, so there's no chance he's there because there is no burnt wood there" Peter said

"Burnt wood and red" Stiles said out loud trying to figure out where he could be.

After a few seconds ,He and Peter looked at each other as something clicked in their heads.

"The Hale house" Peter said as Stiles nodded 

"There's a hidden basement there which only me and Derek know about. There's only one way to get in." Peter said

"How ?" Stiles enquired 

"The Vault underneath school" Peter stated

"Then we better get going. Now" Stiles said 

"Dad thank you, for everything." he said hugging his dad and holding on for a minute before smiling

"Anytime son. I want you both back in one piece " Noah said as he pointed at Eli and Stiles

"Thank you doc , Thank you so much " Stiles called out to Deaton as he ran behind Peter and Eli

Peter started the car and started driving as Stiles followed him shortly behind.

Within a few minutes they pulled over outside the school heading to the entrance to try and get into the vault,

Peter went in first with Eli behind him followed by Stiles.

"There,That's the entrance" Peter said pointing by the corner of a shelf

Peter and Stiles headed to the corner first with Eli shortly behind them as they moved the shelf

"If you could turn away for a moment" Peter said crouching by the empty place where the shelf was

Stiles rolled his eyes turning around as Peter moved things around in an attempt to find the entrance. He heard some beeping before a mechanical whirring and turned to find a small opening at the bottom.

"Let's go" Peter said crawling first into the tunnel with Eli behind as Stile took a deep breath following them.

After a few seconds of crawling they reached an opening which had another door.

"What's with all the secret rooms?" Stiles asked patting the dust off of himself

"Safety" Peter shrugged "You know how we can get"

Stiles rolled his eyes before pointing to the door "Open it up"

"Patience" Peter said pulling out the key from his pocket and heading over to open it.

When he finally unlocked it, Eli and Stiles ran in as Peter held the door open.

As they ran into the dark empty room, Stiles switched on the flashlight in his phone looking around frantically.

"Dad!" Eli called out looking around

"Derek!" Stiles shouted going to the right corner when Eli heard a noise at the opposite corner

"Stiles, Here!" Eli said as Stiles followed turning the light to the side Eli was when he saw a familiar body lying in the corner

"Derek" Stiles gasped in relief as Eli ran towards him with Stiles shortly behind 

"Dad?" Dad Wake up" Eli said kneeling by his side holding his face shaking it as Stiles sat next to him.

"He has a heartbeat" Eli said looking at Eli 

"Derek" Stiles said putting his hand on his shoulder 

Derek groaned blinking open his eyes the slightest bit to look at Eli and Stiles "Eli" He groaned before lifting his hand weakly trying to touch his son's face

"Dad" Eli said his eyes welling up with tears

"Derek we gotta get you out of here" Stiles said grabbing him helping him up as Eli did the same with both of them holding him up and helping him out of the basement 

Peter shut the door locking it as they got Derek out.

"Come on Help us" Stiles said as Eli was clearly struggling

Peter did as said and helped him pushing him slowly in the tunnel before helping him out and helping him walk to the car, placing him in the passenger seat of Stiles's car.

"Meet at Derek's place" Stiles said to Peter as he nodded before they headed back onto the road.

Stiles and Peter helped Derek into his house taking him to his room and placing him on the bed carefully.

"What's wrong with him?" Stiles asked concerned

"He's probably having withdrawal symptoms , He should be up in some time" Peter said "Let's leave him to rest"

Stiles nodded as they headed out Stiles watching Derek breathing a sigh of relief that he was really there before shutting the door quietly.

"How could he have gotten there if only you have the key?" Stiles asked as Eli headed to his room to freshen up

"The Nogitsune attacked me, when I was alone." Peter stated "And then played a trick on all of us pretending like Derek had to be up in flames, faking his death. Probably to try and use him to resurrect again "

Stiles nodded along before saying "How do I know you're telling the truth?"

"You don't" Peter said sitting down " You just have to believe me"

Stiles remained suspicious before heading to the kitchen to make himself some coffee.

Peter eventually left and Eli had dinner with Stiles before heading to his room to get some sleep.

Stiles texted his dad letting him know that they found Derek and that he would be staying with them for the night to ensure everything was okay.

Stiles grabbed a water bottle checking on Derek before heading to the sofa to crash. 

He woke up the next day to Eli shaking him awake, "Hey" Eli said shaking him awake 

"Hey Eli, Everything okay?" He asked waking up.

"Dad's awake, he's gone to take a shower" Eli said "I have to head to the grocery store to grab a few things, will you keep an eye on him to make sure everything is okay?" 

"Yeah yeah " Stiles said sitting up "You go, I'll watch him"

Eli nodded thanking him before heading out. Stiles went to the guest room to go brush his teeth and splash some water on his face to wake up before heading to check on Derek. As he opened the room door, he noticed Derek standing there about to change into his shirt and turned to look at Stiles a smile appearing on his face before Stiles breathed a sigh of relief closing the distance and hugging him as they fell on the bed with Derek letting out a little oof at the sudden impact.

"Hello to you to Stiles" Derek said wrapping his hand around Stiles's waist grinning

Stiles pulled back holding himself up with one hand and grabbing Derek's face with the other and leaning down to capture his lips. He kissed him slow and tender as Derek reciprocated.

Stiles was the first one to pull away caressing Derek's face tears in his eyes "I thought I nearly lost you dumbass"

Derek moved his hand to grab Stiles's face pulling him for a kiss before saying "I didn't mean to hurt you, I thought I had to, to protect Eli"

Stiles playfully punched Derek's chest "Don't ever do that again! Promise me"

"I promise" Derek said tilting his head and looking at Stiles fondly

"Good" Stiles said sitting up straight and getting up to move when Derek held onto his legs while sitting up and pulled him onto his lap.

"Der...I'm really sorry for everything that happened before..." Stiles stated "I'm sorry for pushing you away, for letting my fears get the best of me. I just, I was scared something like what happened with Lydia would happen again." 

Derek's eyes softened, a flicker of hope igniting within them. "Stiles..."

"I love you Derek and I want to take the next step with you." He continued as a smile grew on his lips 

"Are you sure?" Derek asked 

"Yes, I mean it, Derek," Stiles interrupted, his voice earnest. "I want to be with you, to take the next step together. I'm not going to let fear hold me back anymore."

"I love you too, Stiles" Derek said leaning in to close the distance between them before Stiles pulled away trying to move away.

"Where do you think you're going?" Derek asked looking down at his lips with a playful smile

"I'm going to go to kitchen, Eli could be here at any time" Stiles said trying to move but Derek's hand held him in place

"So?" Derek asked

"He doesn't know we're together" Stiles said

"You really think my teenage son can't tell we're not just good friends until now?" Derek asked 

"Does he know?" Stiles asked surprised

"I think he does but doesn't say or ask anything to me" Derek shrugged

"We've been together for a while, He loves you, your dad loves Eli" Derek replied 

"You sure?" Stiles asked

"I wasn't the one who wanted to keep our relationship a secret from Eli, you did" Derek stated 

"Because I didn't want to jinx it, look at how long it took for us to get together. I don't want anyone to ruin it or even try" Stiles said

"No one can ruin what we have if we trust each other Stiles" Derek stated his thumb grazing Stiles's cheek

"Imagine the shock on people's faces when they know we're together" Stiles said smiling "They'd lose their minds"

"I'm sure they will " Derek stated kissing him when Stiles heard the front door unlock and jumped away from Derek's grip standing next to him as Derek just looked at him puzzled.

Eli walked in to the room looking between his dad who was just pretending to sit on the bed while Stiles just stood there with his arms behind his back.

"What's going on?" Eli asked 

"Eli, we have something to tell you" Derek said standing up and walking up to Stiles.

"Me and Stiles have been dating " He said looking at Stiles before looking at Eli 

"Yeah no shit" Eli said furrowing his eyebrows as Derek just looked at him in surprise

"Language!" Derek said 

"Wait, you knew?" Stiles asked confused

"You guys aren't exactly subtle" Eli shrugged " Stiles wears your clothes a lot, and you keep giving each other these gross heart eyes from across the room when we have dinner at Sherriff Stillinski's house. You act like an old married couple, it's really not that hard to figure out"

Stiles and Derek looked at each other before grinning.

"So you're okay with it?" Stiles asked

"Dad's a lot more fun when you're around, so yes I'm more than okay with it" Eli said 

"Is that why you were throwing a tantrum by stealing Stiles's jeep the past few days?" Derek asked

"Why did you say you hated the jeep huh?" Eli asked

"You said you hated Roscoe?!" Stiles said mouth hanging open in surprise

"Okay that's not what I meant" Derek said " Eli's trying to change the topic.I just hated that you weren't there"

"Uh -huh" Stiles said crossing his arms across his chest while Eli just laughed

"And you why did you steal my jeep huh?" Stiles asked turning to face Eli

"Because I missed you" Eli shrugged

"Smart answer kid" Stiles said as Eli smiled before they headed to the dinning room

"I have to take a shower, I'm headed upstairs " Eli stated heading upstairs

"So" Derek said leaning against the counter 

"So?" Stiles asked putting his hands on Derek's shoulder 

"You ready to tell other?" Derek asked

"Oh I've been ready" Stiles said leaning in for a kiss.

"Hey I forgot my-" Eli's voice came interrupting them

"Ew, you two are like love sick puppies" Eli said grabbing his phone before heading upstairs.

Stiles and Derek chuckled to themselves before Derek leaned in to place a quick kiss on Stiles's forehead

"I love you Derek Hale" Stiles said with the biggest smile on his face

"I love you more Stillinski" Derek said leaning in for a kiss