Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"You don't have to worry," He hears Scott say from the passengers side seat. Derek doesn't look from the road ahead of him, but scowls. Scott always seems able to detect his uneasiness. And Derek’s definitely uneasy right now. Scott looks over with a sigh, continues, "You know Theo's trustworthy. We've been working with him for weeks."

He says it like that’s all the time it takes to know someones intentions. And sure, Derek may be quick to judge people, but there is something off with Theo. He knows it. Some kid just randomly shows up during a witch fight? With all the right answers? It's far too suspicious, and Derek’s never believed in coincidences. The rest of the pack seem to trust him with zero issue but he just doesn't understand why.

"Yeah," Derek grits out. Scott shoots him a sympathetic smile. Scott’s usually understanding about Derek’s paranoia, but at the same time there's no way he'll ever believe Derek on this. He’s beyond wrapped around Theo’s little finger.

"Turn here," Scott says, pointing to an oncoming driveway. Derek turns into the long drive, and up to the fairly big house at the end of it. All Derek can think is that Theo lives all alone in this house? The kid’s only in his early twenties, same as Scott, how the hell does he afford that?

Scott opens the door once they park. Before he completely exits, he turns to Derek and reminds him, "Just be nice, okay? Theo's been nothing but helpful."

Derek turns away pointedly. "Fine," he says unconvincingly. Scott sighs as well, and finally leaves the car. Derek follows.

When they walk up to the door, Scott rings the bell. It only takes a couple of seconds before the door opens. Theo is standing on the other side, smiling with his stupid, way too charming smile.

"Hey guys," he says, to which Scott replies with a smile of his own. "Come in," he says, opening the door wide for them both to walk in, which they do.

Theo shuts the door behind him and says something to Scott as Derek looks around. It's a nice house. The front room is a decent size, with a staircase leading to an only slightly visible second floor.

But under closer inspection, Derek spots something odd. A guy, a kid, is sitting near one of railings on the second floor. Derek squints his eyes to make him out in the dark second floor, and when he does the kid is staring right back at him.

"C'mon," Theo says, drawing his attention away, "It’s in the kitchen."

Scott follows him out of the room, so Derek does as well. The kid watches him as he goes. Derek only looks away when the kid is out of sight.

The kitchen is decent as well, full of old-looking, farm like cabinets and counters. Theo takes a small, decorated bottle from his kitchen table. He hands it to Scott and says, "This will help slow the witch down."

Scott takes the bottle and examines the contents inside. "And you're sure that it won't kill them, right?"

Theo nods. Scott smiles and says, "Thanks, Theo. Ever since Deaton,” he shakes his head, probably thinkinh about the fact that Deaton’s been missing for months now, “You've been such a help to us. All of us."

Theo smiles as well, again way too charmingly, and assures, "I'm happy to help."

They continue to talk for a while, but all Derek can think about is that kid at the top of the stairs. Watching. Almost completely hidden away by the darkness. Theo said he lived alone, so who is he? If he’s hiding an entire person, what else is he hiding?

Derek is working up the nerve to ask about it when Scott gets a text from Lydia that she needs them back. As they're about to leave, Scott says, "Thanks again, Theo. See you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, of course," Theo unsurprisingly says.

Derek looks back to the stairs as they go. He’s still there. Just sitting. Staring. He looks about Theo and Scott’s age. Pale. That’s all Derek can make out before he’s forced to follow Scott out of the house.

When they're back in the car, Derek starts up the engine and asks, "Who was that kid?"

"What kid?" Scott asks, looking over.

Derek shoots him a confused look. "The kid who was sitting on the stairs?"

Scott gives him his own confused look. "I didn't see anyone but Theo," he says.

Derek glances back at the house. Then he shakes his head and starts the car.

Chapter Text

Theo shuts the door after the two guys walk out. Without turning around he asks, "You eavesdropping again?"

Stiles bites his lip from where he sits leaning against the railing on the second floor, looking down at Theo. "No?" he says back.

Theo chuckles darkly and turns around. "I told you to stay upstairs," he says, amused.

"I am upstairs," Stiles says back. Theo's lips curl into a smile.

"You’re also a little shit," he says, walking into the kitchen. Stiles quickly stands and rushes down the stairs to follow him.

"That’s the pack you’re going after? Those two?" Stiles inquires as he follows him into the kitchen, bare feet freezing on the cold kitchen tile, voice sounding unimpressed.

Theo, rummaging through the cabinet, lets out another chuckle. "That was the alpha and one of his betas. There are more of them.” He says as he reaches into the fridge to get a pitcher of ice tea.

Stiles crosses his arms and narrows his eyes as Theo picks up a glass and pours the liquid into it.

"Who’s the one you’re killing? The guy with the beard?" Stiles asks, taking a seat at their small kitchen table, one leg propped up on the seat.

"No, the other one is the alpha. Scott." Theo says, taking a sip of his drink.

Stiles takes in the information. That guy with the beard, the beta, saw him. Stiles knows he did. No one ever sees him. Stiles hasn't interacted with anyone but Theo in what seems like an eternity. It was... strange.

It seems like Theo’s been the only person in his life, since... well, forever. At least since his dad died. And since... well, that’s not important. But even before his dad, Theo was his only friend. He had some friends in passing of course, he was outgoing enough and on the lacrosse team, but Theo was the only real friend he’s ever had. And now he’s all he has.

Stiles can’t even remember the last time he left the house. He’s felt this weird, suffocating feeling for a long time. He sits alone in this house almost everyday, only feeling really sane when Theo’s home, when he actually has someone to talk to, which isn’t really often enough recently. When he’s alone he starts to lose time, doing the same things over and over. Sometimes he’s woken up and suddenly it’s hours later when Theo is coming home, Stiles having no clue what happened in between.

His mind drifts back to the beta. He can’t stop thinking about him.

“Why couldn’t I come down?” Stiles ventures to ask. He has a feeling he already knows that answer.

Theo looks him over carefully. “I didn’t want to...” he thinks for a moment, “overwhelm you.” Stiles frowns, as Theo runs his fingers over the side of Stiles’ neck soothingly. “You’re not ready for new people yet.”

Stiles bites the inside of his cheek, shifting away from Theo’s hand. Expected response. Theo seems to think just about everything will be overwhelming ever since... since what happened happened. He’s overprotective as all hell. He seems more willing to keep him hidden away than risk anything being ‘overwhelming’. “Well that’s bullshit.” Stiles says weakly.

Theo only shrugs in response, bur Stiles knows that means he’s not changing his mind anytime soon. Stiles decides to change the subject by asking, “So, what? You're just gonna kill him?" He watches as Theo moves away from him to take a seat across from him.

Theo nods casually. As if murdering some dude is normal. To Theo, Stiles supposes, it is.

Theo makes an unreadable face. "Babe," he says, taking Stiles' hand. Stiles glances down at the hands. "Don't give me that look."

"What look?" Stiles asks, furrowing his brows as he looks up again.

"That look," Theo explains, "That look you always give me when you think something is a bad idea."

"Well that’s because it is.” Stiles says frankly.

Theo huffs out a laugh, as a smirk plays on his lips. "It’s not," he says, "Don't worry about it. Just trust me on this, for once. This is for us."

Stiles narrows his eyes. "What do you mean for us?"

"I mean," Theo explains, "that I’ll be an alpha. I’ll have a pack. I’ll be stronger with a pack, you know that."

"Whatever," Stiles mutters quietly, staring down at the table.

Theo shoots him another look as he stands, rubbing a hand over Stiles’ shoulder.

Then he turns back to the cabinets, saying, "It’ll be good. Trust me.” Stiles glances back up, “What do you want for dinner? I'll cook." Theo says, opening up the fridge.

"I'm not hungry," Stiles says, scratching the back of his neck.

Theo shuts the fridge, and turns back around with a smirk.

"Then let's do something else," he says as he strides over to where Stiles is sitting.

Stiles sighs. "Alright," he says. He’s not exactly in the mood, especially when all that’s on his mind is another guy, one he doesn’t know anything about besides the fact that he noticed him. It’s just been so long since anyone but Theo has paid any attention to him. It’s easy to feel like a ghost in this house, completely invisible to the outside world.

Theo leans down and draws Stiles into a kiss. Stiles allows him, allows the chimera to wrap his strong arms around his waist. Stiles tries to focus on this, but his mind can’t help but wander.

That beta saw him. It doesn't seem like a lot, but after years of only ever interacting with one single person, it's a difference. Stiles tries to push it from his mind. Hell probably never see him again anyways.

Chapter Text

Derek’s walking down the stairs of the pack’s house, about to get into his car to head back to the loft, when he hears Lydia calling his name. "What?" He asks, stepping into the kitchen.

"Take this," she says, gesturing to a large holder vase on the kitchen counter, "It's the witch’s soul. Take it over to Theo's, okay?"

Derek sighs. "Why me?" He asks, because while he's always happy to help, Theo’s just about the last person he wants to interact with, and everyone knows it.

"Scott and Malia are out, so you're the only werewolf in the house. That’s what you guys do, right? Lift heavy objects? So will you just take it?" She says, in that sassy tone of voice that always makes Derek give in.

"Fine," Derek says with a sigh. He picks up the vase off the counter and starts walking towards his car.

"See you later," Lydia says with a knowing smile. That being she knows she’s torturing Derek by making him do this. Derek sighs again. She seems to think Theo is just perfect. Everybody does. Derek had no idea why.

Derek takes the stupid case to his car, puts it in the backseat. He climbs into the front and starts the engine up. The drive to Theo's house is omce again long. He lives a town over, in a little suburban neighborhood, where all the homes have a lot of land and spread wide apart.

But the whole ride over, Derek keeps thinking of that kid sitting on the stairs, hiding it seemed. Who the hell was he? Derek asked everyone if they knew of Theo living with somebody else. Everyone said he lived alone.

It's driving Derek insane.

When Derek pulls into the driveway, he realizes that Theo's truck is nowhere to be found. Dereks about to turn around when he hears movement from inside the house.

It's the kid. Derek knows it is. It must be.

Derek parks the car and steps out, taking the vase with him. He hesitates only a moment before he walks up to the front door, and rings the bell. He’s going to see what Theo’s really up to, once and for all.

Derek must stand there for at least two minutes before he listens in. Movement can still be heard. Nothing else. He must've heard the doorbell, right?

The situation just keeps getting more suspicious.

Derek rings the bell once again. This time it only takes a minute and half before the door opens with an ominous creek.

Standing on the other side, as he expected, is the kid.

He's small. Pretty tall, but he has a thin frame. He's also extremely pale. So white in fact, that he looks like he's never been in the sun.

The kid clears his throat. Derek looks into his big brown eyes. "I-Is Theo home?" Derek stutters out, a bit caught off guard by his appearance.

The kid shakes his head. He takes in a shaky breath, the smell of anxiety rolling off of him. "Uh, no.” He says, leaning against the doorway awkwardly, like he’s not quite sure what to say.

Derek nods, standing awkwardly as well, vase still in his hands.

The kid mumbles something unintelligible under his breath. Derek looks to him and bluntly asks, "What?"

"What is that?" The kid asks, voice slightly clearer, as he motions to the vase.

"Oh," Derek says, "This is for Theo."

The kid narrows his eyes in confusion, but nods anyways. "I'll- uh- take it. He'll be home soon."

Derek nods, and the kid reaches over to take it, but Derek pulls his arm away and says, "I think it's too heavy."

The kid shoots him a glare. "I think I can handle it," he says, the first words that didn’t sound unsure. But, Derek still doesn’t entirely trust that, he looks about ninety pounds wet, and his arms are probably sticks under the sleeves of his hoodie.

Never the less, Derek lets the kid attempt grab it from hm. The kid makes a strained face. "Jesus fucking Christ," the kid mumbles, barely even getting a grip on it before it nearly falls, Derek catching it before it can.

The kid pants and puts his hands on his hips. "'Kay," he says defeatedy, "You can take it in, I guess."

Derek can't help but snort out a laugh, as he carries the vase inside. "Just, uh, put it in the kitchen," the kid says. Derek takes it down the hall, and places it on the kitchen counter.

Derek turns around and sees the guy standing near the opposite wall. He looks awkward again, the way he's standing. Like he's not sure what he should be doing.

"Uh," Derek says, stuffing his hands in his jean pockets, "I'll- uh- see you. Sometime."

".. Yeah," the kid responds.

Derek nods, and starts to walk out, when he can't help himself but to turn around and ask, "What's your name?"

The kid looks confused for a moment. As if he forgot how to say his name or something. "Stiles," he says after a long moment.

Derek nods. "I'm Derek." he says back.

Stiles nods as well. With that, Derek turns around and walks out of the house.

When he's in his car, he reevaluates the situation. The kid, Stiles, he's Theo's... Roommate? But judging by Theo keeping him a secret they’re probably in a more complicated relationship than that. But he's also socially awkward and acts like he never leaves the house. Weird. Really, really weird.

Especially since Theo said he lives alone.

Derek knew something was up with him. He fucking knew it. He starts the car and rushes home to tell the pack.

Chapter Text

Stiles paces the kitchen, rubbing his hands together. He tries to take in a beep breath, but it comes out shaky.

He's so screwed.

He talked to someone. Theo has a few basic rules, and one of them is definetly Stiles' interactions. Ever since... what happened, he’s the one who tells Stiles his limits, what is okay for him to do. And that definitely includes letting people inside.

And not only did he open the door when he shouldn't have. He let the guy in. Inside. Of the house.

Theo isn't exactly his keeper, but Stiles listens to what he tells him. He’s looking out for his best interests, for the most part. He’s not cruel, he’s just annoyingly overprotective. And certainly doesn’t like when Stiles breaks the rules.

And recently, Stiles has been trying to abide by Theo's annoying rules. Makes life easier. They're simple. Don't leave. Don't set the house on fire when Theo's gone. Dont fuck with the thermostat, it’s warm enough already. Don’t go into the basement. And don't fucking talk to anybody.

So why did Stiles do it? He's working on a few theories, actually. Number one, he hates himself, and may be a masochist. Number two, he's an idiot. And number three, he's so lonely that he's willing to risk Theo’s shitty mood just to talk to some random guy.

Stiles is leaning towards number three.

Stiles tries to shake it off. Maybe it's not such a big deal. It's not like invited Derek over. He came. With something for Theo.What was Stiles supposed to do? He tried to ignore it. Then the guy rang the door bell twice. Twice. He had to answer it, right?

Theo might understand... No, no, he definitely won't, he's never been reasonable about this kind of shit.

Maybe Stiles can suck up to him, though. Cook him dinner, rub up against him, wear those God-awful tight pants that turn him on for some inexplicable reason.

As Stiles head fills up options, he hears the truck pull into the driveway. He wheezes out a breath.

Okay, okay, just act natural, he reminds himself. He grabs a random book off the livingroom shelf, sits at the table, and pretends to read it.

The door opens a second later. Theo comes in with grocery bags, and sets them on the counter. "Hey, babe," he says distractedly, as he ruffles through one of the bags.

Stiles nods in greeting. Play it cool. He won't suspect a thing.

"Got you something," Theo says, turning back to the table. He hands Stiles a new book, with a blue hard-back cover. Stiles takes it, and can't help but smile. He rereads the same books so often, it's nice to have a new one once and a while.

"Thanks," Stiles mumbles, feeling slightly guilty all of a sudden. Theo distractedly runs his fingers through Stiles’ hair.

It only takes ten seconds before things go wrong. New record.

Theo takes his hand off Stiles' head, and looks over to the vase sitting on the other side of the kitchen. Stiles would have moved it, but it was so fucking heavy he almost broke an arm trying.

"What the fuck is that?" Theo asks, walking over to it.

Stiles coughs, and nervously plays with his hands. Remain calm. Remain calm.

"It's uh-" Stiles coughs again, "a- Derek brought it over. Earlier.. Today."

Theo turns to him with a surprised look on his face. "You let Derek Hale in?"

Stiles licks over his bottom lip. "Maybe." He tries.

Theo's expression turns from confused to angry concern in a matter of seconds. The only emotion that Stiles will probably never know how to avoid.

"You let someone in?" He asks, tone sharp.

Stiles swallows, and looks down. "It wasn't like that, Theo-"

"What was it like?" Theo asks, stepping closer. Stiles takes in another deep breath.

"He just came over! And I tried to ignore him, but he wouldn't leave," Stiles explains, looking up. Theo is staring at him with an intense glare in his eyes. "I- he left quick. He just brought that thing in."

Theo huffs, taking a step backwards. “You talked to him?” He asks again, as if that much wasn’t clear already.

"I'm sorry, okay?" Stiles says futilely, sighing.

Theo shakes his head. "Stiles, there's a reason I make rules-"

"Theo-" Stiles tries, tone more annoyed than before.

"Don't interrupt me," Theo snaps. Stiles shuts his mouth, shooting Theo a glare. Theo takes in a breath, and continues, "I make rules to help you. You’re not- you’re not ready for people yet,” he stresses, “I don't want you talking to anyone."

Stiles lets in a shaky breath. "I’m not gonna break if I talk to one person."

Theo’s glare intensifies. “You’re not ready.” He says again, and it really doesn’t sound like he’s open to arguments. “Promise me you won’t talk to anyone else.” Stiles clenches his teeth. Theo takes a step towards him. “Promise.” He says again, voice harsher, still filled with what seems like genuine concern. After a moment he grabs Stiles’ chin. It doesn’t hurt, but it’s not exactly a friendly touch.

Stiles’ mouth twitches. “Fine.” He murmurs at last.

“Good," Theo says, releasing his chin. He runs his hands through his hair. “Good.” He mutters under his breath, more to himself this time. “I’m trying to protect you.” He tries to assure him. “Just- trust me, Stiles. I know what’s best for you.”

Stiles doesn’t know what to say so he doesn’t respond, just glares down at the kitchen table. Theo grabs the book back from the counter and disapears into the living room, obviously still angry with him.

Okay, so right now he's thinking that he should never see Derek Hale again.

But at the same time, he thinks that if he had another chance for human interaction besides a controlling, fairly unhinged werewolf, he'd probably sell a limb for the opportunity.

Chapter Text

"We should bake Theo a cake," Derek says when he walks into the pack’s kitchen.

Scott and Lydia look up at him like he's crazy. Derek coughs into his hand, and tries to explain, "To- uh- thank him. For everything."

It only takes a moment for Scott’s head to perk up with a smile. "That's a really good idea, Derek."

Derek nods firmly. "I can bring it over there today."

Scotts smile falls. Lydia rolls her eyes, as Scott says, "Derek..."

“Are you serious?” Lydia asks, tone exasperated, “You want to go back there just to see your mystery person?”

"There's something wrong with that kid, Scott. You didn't see him," Derek says, "He looks sickly. Have you even asked Theo about him yet?"

Scott shakes his head, "No, because it’s none of our business." He sighs, “And it’s none of yours either. Theo doesn’t need to tell us about his personal life if he doesn’t want to. I’m sure nothing bad is going on.”

Derek sighs. He knows there's something up with Theo and Stiles. Stiles looked too pale and frail, and it was just off. The house smelled wrong. Why won't Scott trust him on this?

"C'mon," Derek says with a sigh, "What’s the harm? If nothing’s wrong, then what could it hurt to see him again?”

Scott sighs. "I guess."

_

Derek pulls into the long driveway, and steps out of his car. He reaches into the back seat and pulls out the cake that he actually ended up buying from the store on his way over.

As he walks up to the door, he sees that Theo's not home again. Perfect.

The rings the doorbell, and hopes it doesn't take as long as last time. He sniffs the crisp winter air and tries to identify a scent but can’t seem to find one beyond Theo’s.

The door opens before Derek has to ring again. Stiles is standing on the other side. He's wearing a very oversized sweatshirt, and jeans, that make him smell purely like Theo.

"Hey," he says, looking up with bright brown eyes.

"Hey," Derek says back. He extends his arms with the cake.

Stiles raises his eyebrows. He reaches out with skinny arms and takes the container.

"You... wanna come in?" Stiles asks nervously.

"... Sure."

Chapter Text

Okay, clearly Stiles is a masochist, or else he wouldn't have let Derek in again when Theo made it abundantly clear this was never to happen again.

Derek closes the door behind him when he steps in. Stiles takes in a deep breath, and heads for the kitchen. Derek follows.

When he puts the container down on the counter, he turns around to see Derek standing in the doorway. Stiles takes in another shaky breath. He's not used to this. Interacting with people. He's only talked to Theo for so long and they’ve known eachother forever, it's awkward with anybody else.

"You-uh- want a cup of coffee?" Stiles stutters out, screaming to himself to act a little natural.

Derek nods his head. Stiles turns back to the counter, and starts up the machine that he nor Theo have used in at least a year. Theo's not a big coffee fan, and Stiles gets distracted way too easily to actually remember putting on a pot. Not that he minds the heat from coffee, this stupid house is always freezing.

Stiles doesn’t hear Derek move, so he says quietly, "You can sit down. I mean, if you want to. You don't have to."

He hears the chair squeak against the kitchen floor, and Derek take a seat.

As the coffee brews, Stiles wonders what the hell is wrong with him. Why did he let him in? Again? After Theo made it very clear that this could never happen again?

He's a little starved for human interaction, he supposes. Someone besides just Theo. Nothing bad can happen to him from this, despite Theo’s claims of him ‘not being ready’ or whatever bullshit. He’s more than ready, it’s felt like years since he’s been around other people.

Stiles breaths in once, then turns back around. Derek is just sitting there. Staring.

Stiles clears his throat. "Is that a cake?" He asks, cocking his head to the container.

Derek nods. Stiles nods back, and swallows. "Did you bake it?" He asks, as half a joke.

But, Derek responds, "No, I bought it."

Stiles nods. "Yeah, totally. That's- really nice."

Derek looks down. "Theo's helped us a lot in the last couple months."

Stiles supresses a sigh. If only they knew his true plans.

Derek scratches his hand. Which, wow, he has really beefy hands, but anyways, he asks, "So you and Theo are- roommates?"

Stiles’ eyes widen. “No, we’re like... together. Theo never mentioned me?”

Derek swallows, not looking Stiles in the eye as he shakes his head. Jeez, this dude is worse than Stiles when it comes to social situations.

"H- uh- how long have you two been together?" He asks, scratching the back on his neck and looking up. The topic seems to make him uncomfortable. Then why is he asking?

"We’ve known eachother since we were like- toddlers." Stiles recalls, "I think freshmen year is when we actually got together."

"Long time," Derek says. Stiles nods in agreement. Super long time. Too long. They've known eachother since they were fucking babies, and only really got together in high school. Stiles couldn’t recall the exact amount of years, it’s felt like forever. The slight feeling of guilt washes over him at the thought of Theo. Is this a mistake?

The coffee machine beeps, so Stiles pours Derek a cup. Derek says he takes it black, so Stiles places the plain cup of coffee in front of him, tries not to shake his hands so much as he does.

This is kind of excitingc despite how unsure he feels. As Derek takes a sip, Stiles sits down at the kitchen chair across from him, watches him drink.

Derek places the mug back down, and looks to Stiles.

"..so.." Stiles says awkwardly.

Derek looks down again. "So." He says back, ".. How is Theo? I don’t know him very well."

Stiles' eyebrows go up. Odd question. "He's- nice," Stiles says, "You know. I’ve known him forever. I’m used to him."

"User to him?" Derek asks, head popping back up to look at Stiles.

Stiles shrugs. Maybe he's said too much. Theo would kill him if he knew he said that, with his plan in motion. Would kill him if he found out Derek had been here again. "You know," he says, "Sometimes we fight. Every couple does, right?"

Derek nods. "Yeah," he says with a slight laugh.

Stiles smiles. He's not even sure why.

"So- uh- you're in a pack," Stiles hastily changes the subject, rubbing his hands together, "That must be pretty cool."

Derek nods. "Yeah. It is." Stiles nods again, as Derek says, "How do you know about the supernatural?"

"Well my boyfriends a werewolf," Stiles says, making Derek chuckle, "but- uh, I found out when I was a kid, and Theo got bitten. It's kind of overwhelming sometimes."

"Yeah," Derek says, "All the time."

Dereks phone chimes in his pocket. He pulls it out, and reads the screen. Stiles misses having a phone, that’s been gone since... for a while. Another stupid thing about Theo knowing what’s best or whatever the hell. Derek looks up and says, "I have to go."

Stiles deflates a bit, but says anyways, "Oh, okay,"

Derek stands, so Stiles does as well. He escorts Derek to the front door, and says his goodbye.

Then, right before Derek leaves, he turns around in the doorway and asks quietly, "Are you okay?"

Stiles raises his eyebrows. "W-what?"

Derek sighs. "Are you.. Um.." He seems to be struggling for the right words, "here- by choice?"

Stiles' mouth nearly falls open. What the hell is that supposed to mean? Not that it’s that crazy, really. No, he’s definitely not being kept here, but where else would he go? Even though the thought of leaving the house is beyond tempting he can never quite work up the courage to walk through the door. Theo is all he has, and he’s well meaning despite how annoying his control is. He doesn’t want anything else bad to happen to him. "Yeah," he says, taking a step backwards, "I am."

Derek doesn't look convinced. He mutters something, as he takes a pen out of his pocket and then grabs Stiles' hand. Stiles gasps at the contact. Derek scribbles down a number on his skin and pulls away.

"Call me if- if you ever need help, okay?" Derek mutters awkwardly, like he knows he's been strange.

Stiles nods. Derek turns around and gets back into his car.

Stiles looks down at the number as Derek drives away, and wonders how he's gonna get a phone to call it. Because, he's definetly calling it. That's not a question.

Chapter Text

The front door opens and closes, as Stiles sits on the livingroom couch, waiting for Theo to come home.

Stiles jumps up immediately. He's been waiting for hours, planning this all out very carefully. He enters the front room, just as Theo's taking off his coat.

"Hey, baby," Theo says, before Stiles interupts him by jumping on him and crashing their lips together. Theo looks surprised for a moment, then relaxes into the kiss.

After a solid minute of making out, Theo pulls away. "What the hell are you doing?" He asks with a laugh, lips red and shiny.

Stiles shrugs his shoulders. He's trying to get Theo in a good mood, but he can't tell him that. "Kissing you," he says instead.

Theo gives him a confused look. Stiles never initiates this kind of stuff and they both know that. They really barely do this anyways, usually just quick pecks on the lips and cuddling for warmth in this cold ass house. Never seems to help anyways.

"What'd you do?" Theo asks. God, he can read Stiles like a fucking book and it sucks.

Stiles sighs. "Derek came over." He admits, knowing he can’t keep up the lie if Theo is suspicious.

Theo’s jaw clenches. Before he can say anything, though, Stiles cuts in, "He just wanted to bring over a cake from his pack. I didn't let him in, I swear."

Stiles tries to keep his heart rate steady as Theo stares right through him.

".. Why did you open the door?" Theo asks with a pissed look. That same angry concern is back again.

"You said that he was questioning you, right?" Stiles asks, "Wouldn't it have been weird if he knew I was here and I didn't answer?"

Theo takes in a breath. "I don’t care what he thinks, okay? It’s not about him." He says, sounding remarkably less angry than the other night; wait, when was that again? Was it the other night?

Stiles’ brows furrow. Theo cares more about him than his plan? That’s new information to him, and it makes that guilt with seeing Derek increase. “I’m fine, Theo. I’m... better.” He says weakly, knowing Theo won’t believe him.

Theo looks at him intensely, but not actually angry. More concerned. He grabs Stiles’ hands and says, “I just don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” He says. Stiles frowns, looking down. “I’ll make sure he stops coming. You’re not-“

“Ready. I know.” Stiles says deafeatedly, pulling his hands from Theo’s grip. Theo frowns as he walks away, but doesn’t come after him.

__

Later that night, when he and Theo are in bed together, and Theo's asleep, Stiles quietly stands up.

He sneaks over to Theo's side of the bed and grabs his phone from his bedside table. He used to hide it right after... what happened, but he's gained more trust in Stiles.

Stiles hides in the bathroom and types in Dereks number and types, Hey, it's Stiles.

He shuts off the phone and waits eagerly for a response.

Chapter Text

"Derek, stop harassing Theo's boyfriend," Lydia says, pinching the bridge of her nose with her red-polished nails.

Derek huffs out a breath. "He invited me in," he clarified, once again, “You don’t think it’s suspicious that Theo refuses to mention him-"

"Maybe because he doesn’t want you sniffing around his house," Lydia interupts, shooting him a pointed look.

Derek turns back to Scott, and says, "Scott, I'm telling you. There's something going on there, it's not right."

Both Lydia and Derek both look at Scott. Scott scratches the back of his neck. "Derek," he says softly, "I think that you just don't trust Theo, and you might be looking for something wrong."

Derek sighs. That's not it. No, he doesn't trust Theo, but that's not it. There was something wrong in that house.

"Just because you have a crush on this kid-" Derek quickly interrupts, "I don't have a crush on him."

Lydia lets out a laugh. "Obviously you do," she says, "Why else would you keep talking to him?"

Derek shakes his head. Scott says, "Derek, just try to keep an open mind? Theo’s-"

"I don't care what you think Theo is, I know what I saw," Derek argues, pushing away from the kitchen table. He walks away shaking his head.

They just don't get it. If they only saw what Derek saw, they'd know. Something is off there.

And he does not have a crush on Stiles. Not at all. Stiles is strange, and awkward. The thought of having a crush on him never even crossed Dereks mind.

Never. Not once. Not even when he touched his hand and felt how freezing he was in that house and how Derek wants nothing more than to keep him warm.

As Derek steps into the living room, his phone chimes in his pocket. He sits down on couch, and reads the screen. It's an unknown number, and the text reads, hey, it's Stiles

Dereks eyebrows lift up. He checks the time, and sees its nearly ten pm. He quickly responds with a text saying, are you okay?

He did afterall give him the number in case he needed help. Maybe he's gonna tell him Theo has been hurting him. And Derek can save him and take him far far away from Theo forever.

Im fine a text shoots back a moment later. After a second or two, he adds, I just thought we could talk?

sure lets talk, Derek sends back.

okay, Stiles sends, then follows up with, so you're a werewolf?

yeah, I was born a werewolf

that's cool

Yeah

A long pause occurs, which makes Derek anxious. After a couple of minutes, he says, is everything okay?

you ask that a lot

I'm a little worried

About me?

Yes about you

Why?

I don't want to speak bad about your boyfriend, but I don't really trust Theo

After a couple more minutes of Derek staring at his phone waiting for a response, Derek says, sorry.

No I get it

You do?

He can be controlling

Yeah?

Sometimes

In what way?

I dont know. Lets talk about something else

Okay

Six entire minutes go by before Derek gets impatient and he says, I'm sorry, that's none of my business

Its ok

I'm sorry

It's ok, I get it you don't trust him

should I?

it's your call

Does he want to be in this pack for the right reasons?

Stiles once again doesn't respond. Derek puts his head in his hand. He's not good at questions. Or knowing how people will react. His phone buzzes again.

I think so

Yeah?

he doesn't really tell me that kind of stuff though

Really?

Yeah we don't talk much

Stiles sends a follow up, well we talk, just not about werewolf stuff

Oh

Yeah

Stiles after a minute sends, I'm gonna go now, can I text you tm?

Derek sends in response, sure text me in the morning

Okay, good night

Night.

Derek shuts off his phone. Lydia comes into the room and asks, "what are you grinning about."

Derek makes his face blank. "I'm not," he says.

Lydia chuckles. "Oh you’re so easy to read."

"I am not," Derek says, standing, and passing her. She laughs as Derek flees up the stairs. He doesn't like him.

He doesn't.

Chapter Text

"Stiles," Stiles hears Theo call from the other room. He walks in, as he's pulling a jacket on, and says, "I gotta go, I'll be back for dinner, okay?"

Theo kisses Stiles' head, as Stiles asks, "Do you want me to make something?" Despite how little of an appetite he’s had lately. Well, for a while actually.

"I’ll bring something back, don’t worry about it." Theo says as he walks out of the livingroom. "Love you!" He calls, as he walks out the front door.

Stiles sighs. He took his phone with him. He and Derek have been texting for a week now, and Stiles has never been happier living in this house.

Everynight while Theo's asleep, or if he goes and the rare occasion he leaves his phone, Stiles instantly texts Derek. He's learned a lot about him. He's twenty nine, he lives with his pack, his family died when he was a teenager. They've been getting pretty close. As close as you can get while texting at least.

And after very conversation, Stiles blocks the number; so Theo never sees Dereks texts. It's the perfect crime.

But now, he's home alone, and completely bored. Stiles just picks up his book and starts reading, sick of TV.

After an hour or two, the doorbell rings. Stiles instantly gets excited, as Theo always just comes in, so it must be someone else. Must be Derek, is what's really going through Stiles' mind.

He opens the door, and smiles when he sees Derek. "Hey," he says happily.

"Hey," Derek says back.

"What are you doing here?" Stiles says, opening up the door. Derek steps inside.

"You weren't answering your phone," he says, "I got worried."

"You worry too much," Stiles mutters, locking the front door behind him. "You want something to drink?" Stiles asks. Derek nods, Stiles leads him into the kitchen.

Derek takes a seat at the table as Stiles opens up the fridge. He pulls out a cold water bottle and hands it to Derek. Derek thanks him as Stiles sits across from him.

"Do anything today?" Stiles asks, leaning back against the seat.

"Not really," Derek says, "Just got some work done from home."

"Where do you work?" Stiles asks.

Derek takes a sip of water. "Advertising company," he says, "I work from home, on my computer."

Stiles nods. He wishes he had a job. Stiles' dream in life used to be to become a cop like his dad. After he died plans changed. He was in school for a semester until... what happened. He had to drop out after that, and that was... how long ago was that?

"Where do you work?" Derek asks.

Stiles sighs. "I actually don't have a job."

Dereks eyebrows raise in surprise. "Really?" he asks, but the surprise is suspiciously lacking in his voice. Is it obvious?

"Yeah," Stiles says anyways, "I guess Theo's kind of the breadwinner of the house. I'm more like the housewife."

Derek laughs slightly. "You've never wanted to work?"

Stiles shrugs. "I wanted to be a cop when I was younger. But that didn't really pan out."

"Because of Theo?" Derek asks.

Stiles stops. Derek always does that. He knows, he knows that Theo is suspicious. How? Theo's so good at lying.

Stiles would like nothing more than to tell him how bad Theo is, how his plan is to kill his alpha. But it's no use. Theo will find a way to get what he wants. It's happened before, it'll happen again.

"I'm sorry," Derek says, looking down.

Stiles shakes his head. "Don't worry about it. And no. It's not Theo's fault, it's mine. I just..: wasn't into it anymore." He carefully doesn’t tell Derek all the details. He hates talking about it, and there’s no reason for Derek to know.

Derek nods. "I-I should go."

"You don't have to-"

"No, I should," he says, standing, "it's getting late, I shouldn't have come-"

"Please stay," Stiles says, touching Dereks arm lightly.

Derek states into his eyes. ".. Okay."

Chapter Text

After hours of talking they end up somehow on the living room floor, Derek can’t even remember how. All he knows is that he doesn’t want the talking to ever end.

“So how did that happen? You becoming friends with a bunch of teenagers?” Stiles asks with a stifled laugh.

Derek can’t help but grin slightly. “It’s complicated,” he answers, which only makes Stiles laugh more. Derek shakes his head, asking instead, “Okay, what about you? How long has it been since you haven’t been in school?”

Any good energy they just had seems to drift away at that question, which Derek really didn’t mean to happen. Stiles’ face visibly drops, although he tries to hide it with another forced laugh. “Uh, I don’t know,” he scratches the back of his head, “I guess a couple years now.” He says it like a question, like he has no idea. He looks strangely lost at the simple question.

Derek frowns. “You don’t remember?” He asks, keeping his tone neutral.

Stiles looks up at him with wide eyes. He laughs again, this time more uncomfortably. He shrugs, saying, “No, it’s... I don’t know. I lose track of time sometimes. Sometimes I lose days, I just don’t remember them.” The lost look grows on his face at the last part, like he just noticed this for the first time.

Stiles snaps out of it quickly, saying, “I need more coffee.”

-

“You don’t know what’s in your basement?” Derek asks after taking a sip of his freshly brewed coffee. Stiles has barely touched his, just keeps his hands on the hot mug, like it’s warming him up.

“No, I know what’s there,” Stiles explains, after telling him that the basement is always locked, “It’s storage. All my dad’s old boxes are down there,” he swallows, averting his eyes. He’s yet to tell Derek anything about his dad, but from that reaction Derek can put the pieces together. Stiles shrugs, saying, “I just haven’t been down there in forever.”

Derek’s reeling from this new information. What is Theo hiding down there? “Why do you think he doesn’t want you down there?”

Stiles looks at him like he’s never considered this question. Which is odd, because that’s not Stiles’ personality at all judging by what he knows about him. “I don’t know. He never goes down there, so I’m not sure...” he looks deep in thought, like he has no idea what could be hiding down there.

Derek’s starting to get a few ideas.

-

“How did you all meet Theo, anyways?” Stiles asks, this time when they’re on the livingroom couch, Stiles’ legs curled under his body, head leaning against the cushion.

“He saved Scott from a witch,” Derek explains, not trying hard enough to keep the suspicion from his tone, “He showed up at the exact right time. With all the answers. And we needed the help since Deaton went missing-“

“Who’s Deaton?” Stiles asks, sitting up slightly, curiosity filling his voice.

“He was my family’s emissary, before...” he trails off, then quickly continues, “He would help us, a lot. Knew every supernatural creature. Would patch us up if we got hurt. He disapeared one day. A little before Theo showed up.” The last part might come out a little too harshly.

Stiles makes an unreadable face, eyes averting to the floor. Derek frowns. “What?” Derek ventures.

Stiles hesitates for a moment before finally looking up with a serious look on his face. “You really don’t trust Theo at all, do you?”

Derek’s lips tighten into a line. At a loss for words, all he does is turn away shamefully. He doesn’t trust Theo. Not at all. Spending more time with Stiles and learning about their mysterious relationship has only made that distrust grow. “I’m sorry.” Is all he can think to say.

Stiles scratches the back of his head, looking away again, seemingly in thought. Just when Derek is about to say something else, Stiles finally says, “Is that why you’re here? Hanging out with me?” He glances tentatively over, “To get dirt on Theo?”

Derek’s eyes widen. “No.” He says quickly. “That’s not...” he searches for the right words, “That’s not why.”

Stiles looks him over, like he’s searching for the truth. Derek stares back. And he’s not sure why, but he starts to lean in. And for a second it seems like Stiles is leaning in as well. But right before their lips meet, Stiles is pulling away.

“I’m sorry.” He says immediately. He shifts away, looking genuinely apologetic. “I’m sorry,” he repeats.

“No, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have...” Derek says, standing.

“I just... I can’t do that to Theo, okay? I’m sorry. It’s just been so long since I’ve had a friend.” His eyes are wide and he looks mortified.

Derek frowns. “I’m sorry Stiles, I should leave-“

“I need to tell you something.” Stiles says intensely.

Derek opens his mouth to say something when he hears the sound of Theo’s truck pulling into the driveway. Stiles must hear it as well because his eyes widen and he stands abruptly. “Fuck.” He says. He turns to Derek. “You need to go, now.”

“Wait, I-“

“Derek please just trust me, you need to go!” He starts quickly ushering him to the backdoor in the kitchen.

“Will you be okay?” Derek asks, knowing that Stiles was just about to tell him something about Theo and he’s afraid for Stiles’ safety.

“I’m fine, really, I’ll call you later. Just go!” He glances anxiously back towards the front door.

Derek takes a deep breath, debating. “... Okay. Call me.” He says. He opens the back door and with one last look at Stiles he slips into the yard.

Chapter Text

After making sure Derek is well out of sight, Stiles turns from the back door towards the front room, when he can hear the front door being opened. He takes in a breath, dreading to hear Theo’s lecture.

When Theo does come in, his face looks blank, but his anger is clear. “Theo, okay, let me explain-“ Stiles tries, holding up his hands placatingly.

Theo’s eyes snap to his, rage clear in them. “There’s nothing to explain.” He says, voice just barely holding back a yell, “You’ve been lying to me,” he accuses, “How many times has he been here since I told you it couldn’t happen again?”

“Theo-“

“You’re not ready, Stiles!” He can’t hold back the yell this time. Stiles can’t help but flinch. “I know what’s best for you!”

Stiles puts his hand down, shooting Theo a glare. “You can’t just expect me to stay in this house for the rest of my life.” He snaps, anger hardly concealed from his tone. “You’re not my fucking keeper!”

Theo takes a step forward, “Do you think I’m trying to make you miserable?” He asks, narrowing his eyes. “I’m protecting you.”

“Theo, I can’t live like this!” He admits, all the bottled up anger he’s felt for god knows how long spilling out all at once. Theo’s eyes widen slightly at the admission, but Stiles just continues, “You can’t be the only one I see for the rest of my life!”

“So what?” Theo asks, “You think Derek fucking Hale will just sweep you away? You think he actually gives a shit about you?”

Stiles lets out an frustrated sound. “What’s wrong with me having a friend?!” He yells, “Why do I have to be alone all the time?!”

Theo huffs, obviously annoyed. “You’re not fucking ready.” He says the same phrase he’s been saying forever like he’s not willing to be convinced on this point. But Stiles doesn’t care, is too angry to care.

“I’m not gonna try to kill myself again!” Stiles can’t help it coming out. Theo tenses. They never talk about it, but Stiles knows that’s where this all started, that’s what made Theo so protective. “Theo,” he tries, “Please. You can’t keep me on suicide watch forever.”

Theo’s jaw twitches. “I’m trying to protect you.” He says it in a slightly calmer tone, though his still mad. With that he tries to walk past Stiles into the kitchen, like this conversation is over. “You can’t see him anymore.”

Stiles follows him, saying, “That’s bullshit!” He yells, still fuming.

“I don’t care!” Theo turns around on him, “I have to make sure nothing bad happens to you.” he says the final part more seriously, anger lessening and face looking softer.

Stiles’ glare returns. “Or maybe you just don’t want me to leave!” He accuses. Theo shoots him a glare of his own. Before he has a chance to respond Stiles takes a step foward and says, “You don’t give a shit about what’s best for me, you just found a reason to control every aspect of my life.”

Theo looks just on the brink of rage. “You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, Stiles.” He grits out, hands curled into fists at his sides.

Stiles knows that Theo is about to snap, but he can’t just stop now, so much he’s been repressing is all coming out and he’s shaking in anger. “I know you, Theo. You’re not this fucking saint looking out for me. You’ve always cared more about yourself than anyone else and I think you saw this as you’re opportunity to make sure I could never leave you.”

Theo grabs his wrist, but despite his tight grip it doesn’t hurt. “Stop talking.” He has to grit the words out again behind clenched teeth. It’s surprising his claws haven’t popped out yet.

Stiles doesn’t bother to pull away. Instead, he asks in a slightly cooler tone, “What’s in the basement?”

This seems to snap Theo out of his anger. “What?” He asks, suddenly confused.

Stiles narrows his eyes. “What’s in the basement?” He repeats more intently. He remembers Derek asking the same question earlier, and the fact that he’s never though to ask himself. What is down there? Why does Theo keep it locked?

Theo shakes his head, quickly saying, “You know what’s down there, it’s all storage.” Even without werewolf hearing Stiles can sense the lie.

“Why is it locked?” He asks.

Theo’s anger returns. “Don’t ask me about the basement.” his grip tightens, “Don’t ever fucking go down there.” When Stiles says nothing Theo pull him forward and says, “Do you hear me?”

“Fuck you,” Stiles snaps, trying finally to pull away, but Theo doesn’t let up.

“Stiles-“

“You can’t make me stop seeing him,” Stiles interrupts. “You can’t.”

“Oh, I can’t?” Theo asks, tilting his head.

Stiles swallows. “What are you going to do to stop me? I can just leave right now.” He glances back at the front door, then back at Theo challengingly, though he knows he’s not actually about to walk out. He feels suddenly claustrophobic, trapped here, like he could never leave even if he wanted to.

Without another sound besides his exhale of breath Theo drags him by the arm towards the stairs. “Theo!” Stiles yells, barely even fighting him off as he’s pulled up the stairs. Theo doesn’t say a word, just pulls him towards the bedroom. He only releases his arm to toss him towards the bed.

Stiles falls to the floor in front of the bed, looking up at Theo with wide eyes. “You’re not seeing anyone, ever again.” Is the last thing he says before he slams the door and locks it behind him.

Stiles quickly gets to his feet. He doesn’t bother to try the knob, he heard the lock. He just listens as Theo walks away from the door. Stiles huffs out a breath, feeling increasingly claustrophobic. Stiles sits on the floor against the bed and rests his head against his knees.

-

Stiles doesn’t know how much time passes before he hears Theo’s knock at the door. It actually startles him, he must’ve been sitting blankly for hours, but he just can’t remember any of it.

He doesn’t say anything, but Theo says a small, “Stiles...” without opening the door. He doesn’t wait for Stiles’ response before he sighs and says, “I’m sorry. I have to leave for a few hours, I’ll be back soon.”

Stiles glares at the door, but still says nothing. A moment passes before Theo says, “We’ll talk more when I get back, okay? I’m sorry,” he repeats, and his voice is remarkably softer than it was before. “I just need you to trust me.”

Stiles clenches his jaw, staring at the floor. How the hell is he supposed to trust him right now?

He can hear Theo’s head rest against the door. “I love you. I promise.” And with that he can hear Theo’s steps leaving again.

Chapter Text

Stiles can’t stop pacing. So many questions he’s never thought to ask keep running through his head. What is Theo hiding from him? Why is he so desperate to keep Stiles here? What the hell is in the basement?

But most of all, one question in particular seems to be stuck; why has he never thought to ask any of this before?

It’s not who he is. He’s always been inquistive, mostly to a fault. And he never used to take Theo’s bullshit, he’s always call him out. What the hell has gotten into him lately; how long has it even been? Since his suicide attempt? God, that was... how fucking long ago was that? Why can’t he fucking remember?

It’s all enough to make him want to tear his hair out. He’s so focused on it that he doesn’t even hear the front door open.

He only realizes someone is on the other side of the door when the doorknob wiggles. He turns, ready to interrogate Theo when he sees Derek standing on the other side.

“Derek?” He asks, eyes widening. “What are you doing here?”

“You said you’d call.” Derek says, eyes darting back to the door. “Did he lock you in here?” He sounds angry at that, but Stiles is too busy spiraling to notice.

Stiles starts his pace again, saying, “It’s complicated. I can’t stop thinking about all the questions you keep asking. I feel like I’m losing my mind.”

“Stiles-“

“No, actually I’ve been losing my mind for a long time. I wish I actually knew just how long, but I don’t. But now I feel like everything’s finally starting to make some sense-“

“Stiles!” Derek coaxs, a look of confusion on his face at Stiles’ rambles.

Stiles finally just turns to him and blurts, “Theo is going to kill your alpha.”

Derek’s eyes widen. “What?”

Stiles only nods, watching his reaction. “That’s why he showed up. That’s what he’s been planning, he wants to become an alpha. And I think he killed your friend, Deaton,” Derek’s eyebrows raise further at that. “And I think that’s what he’s hiding in the basement.”

-

“It’s been locked like this for months.” Stiles says as they approach the wooden door, just off the side of the kitchen. Although, he says months but he honestly can’t say how long it’s been locked like this. Quite a while, it feels. He has no idea why he hasn’t thought to question it before.

Derek nods. He glances at the locked door then at Stiles. “Are you okay?” He asks, looking him up and down.

Stiles locks back, arms crossed uncomfortably over his chest. “I’m fine.” He says, although he feels like his world is crumbling just a little bit. When Derek keeps staring at him, he asks, “Are you mad that I.. that I didn’t tell you about Theo?”

Derek hesitates momentarily. Stiles feels himself tense, waiting for the response. He finally answers, “You didn’t think you could. You told me now, that’s what matters.”

Stiles exhales a breath of relief. “Okay.” He glances back at the door, and Derek seems to get the hint. He breaks the knob off easily and lets the door swing open.

With one final look, Derek begins a slow descent downwards. Stiles goes to follow, but finds himself stuck at the top. He stares down, a remarkable wave of anxiety hitting him unexpectedly. But he has no idea why.

Derek turns to him, concern clear on his face. “Are you okay?” He asks again.

Stiles swallows the strange fear. He nods, and forces himself to start walking.

-

The second Derek reaches the bottom of the stairs he has to cover his nose from the peircing scent. “Jesus.” He says, just as he hears Stiles reach the bottom behind him.

“What?” Stiles asks, taking a step closer to him despite how uneasy he looks, “Do you smell something?”

“You don’t?” Derek asks, knowing that his senses are stronger but the scent is so strong it seems like a human would be able to smell it too. Derek looks around the dark basement then asks, “Is there a light down here?”

Stiles takes a step towards a hanging light a few feet away. He pulls the chord but nothing happens. “It’s fine.” Derek says, able to make out most of the basement anyways.

The basement is relatively small, just a concrete space filled with old cardboard boxes and dust. Derek takes a step towards the back wall where he notices a small door, probably to a closet.

That’s where the scent is coming from.

He turns back to Stiles to tell him, but he’s already distracted by the boxes. They all says ‘Dad’ on the side, and based on how sick Stiles suddenly looks Derek can put the dots together. So he starts walking towards the closet alone, the scent getting stronger and stronger with each step.

When he finally reaches the door he realizes the smell is familiar. He hesitates at the knob. He’s sure Deaton will be on the other side.

“Do you hear that?” Stiles asks suddenly, voice faint. Derek ignores him.

He slowly turns the knob with a terribly loud squeak. “Fuck.” Stiles whispers as he slowly opens the door with a screech, “I think Theo’s home.”

But Derek hardly hears him. Instead he stares at what’s laying coldly on the floor of the cramped closet.

Stiles’ dead body.

Chapter Text

Derek’s heart feels like it’s in his stomach as he stares down at what is unmistakably Stiles’ dead body. Dead for quite some time, too, it looks like. He’s just slumped there, completely white, lips blue. Derek looks down and sees his arms carelessly at his sides, deep, dark slashes on both of his wrists.

“Derek?” Comes Stiles’ voice from behind him, but Derek can’t stop staring, trying to quickly work how this is happening out in his head, “Did you hear me? I think Theo’s back.”

Without getting a response, Stiles must turn to look at him. “Shit, did you find him?” He asks, his footsteps moving closer.

Derek doesn’t even think to turn him away, to stop him from looking at, well, him. Decomposing, tucked away in the basement. If he were able to process this any quicker, he probably would have.

-

Stiles comes to stand next to Derek, to get a look at what’s made him go so silent. He expects to see an unrecognizable man named Deaton, someone he never met. But when he stares down at the corpse he’s confused.

Confusion quickly turns to a sick feeling in his gut as he tries to somehow justify what he’s seeing. But he can’t. He knows exactly what it is. It’s him. Dead. Rotting.

He takes an uneasy step backwards. A hand comes up to cover his mouth. His brain quickly tries to find some explanation, any explanation other than the one that keeps coming into his head.

He’s dead.

He feels absolutely sick to his stomach, but mostly confused, shocked, terrified. He can only draw his eyes from the corpse when he hears Theo rushing down the stairs.

He stops short at the bottom step, his wide-eyed panicked look quickly turning into heavy resignation when he sees what they’ve found. Like Stiles found his secret. Stiles stares at him, tears pricking at his eyes. Theo only stares back, and says in a resigned, almost sad tone, “I told you not to look in the basement.”

Stiles’ hands are shaking. He glances back at his body, then to Theo. “W-what...” he can’t get the words out. All he wants is for Theo to tell him that he’s misunderstanding, that there’s some crazy reason for this. But that explanation never comes.

Theo’s jaw twitches. He’s upset. He won’t look at the body, but he obviously knows it’s there. He’s probably the one who put it there. “I was going to tell you.” His voice is nearly a whisper.

Stiles shakes his head, taking a step backwards. “No...” he murmurs, unable to accept that any of this is happening. “No, I-“ he looks back at himself. His wrists are slit. He turns back to Theo, “I’m not...” he can’t make himself say the word.

Theo takes a careful step forward. “Stiles,” he says gently, “You... you didn’t try to kill yourself. You...” did kill yourself goes unsaid as he trails off, slowly approaching with his hands up placatingly, like Stiles is a wounded animal.

“Get away from me.” Stiles says, taking a few steps back, further into the basement. Theo stops in his tracks. The sound of his own teeth clattering in his mouth is the only noise he can hear for a few moments. He shakes his head again, saying, “No, no, this doesn’t make sense. I’m not- I can’t be... I would know.” He trues to argue.

Theo stares at him carefully for a second, then explains, “You didn’t. After...” he can’t seem to say the word, but goes on, “You were just walking around like nothing happened, you had no idea.”

Stiles wants to argue that, but he knows it’s true. After what he thought was his attempted suicide he couldn’t remember it. Theo had had to tell him. Stiles feels his gut curl looking back on it. How could he have not known?

“That still...” he clenches his teeth, “This still doesn’t make sense. I don’t feel..” dead, “I eat, I can feel things, I can touch things. I’ve touched you.” He looks to Theo.

Theo gives a half shrug. “You can still feel. You’re not so much a presence, you’re a force.” He says it like he’s given it a lot of thought. “It’s almost like... like you’re still alive.” Stiles can’t miss the uptick of pain in his voice.

All Stiles can do is stare at him. “But you can see me.” He tries futilely.

Theo takes another step towards him. “I’m the only one that can.” He says softly.

Stiles shakes his head. “He sees me.” He turns to Derek, who’d he forgotten was ever here. He’s still by the closet, looking shellshocked. But he turns to Stiles and nods, as if to confirm that he’s not crazy. It does little to help, though.

Theo does look a little surprised by that. “I don’t know why. No one else can.” He turns to stare at Derek for a second, then his attention returns to Stiles.

Stiles rubs his freezing hands together, which makes sense now. He wants to throw up. “How long?” He whispers.

Theo hesitates. “3 years.” He finally answers.

Stiles covers his mouth with his hands. Three years. How could it have been three years? How could he not have known he was dead for three years? He can’t stop the shake from his voice as he asks in utter betrayal, “How could you not tell me?”

Theo’s eyes widen. “How was I supposed to tell you?” He takes another step forward. “You had no idea. I thought you were gone forever. I was just relieved to have you back,” Stiles shakes his head as he continues, “I was going to. Eventually. I was just trying to protect you.”

Despite his racing mind, he’s finally starting to put the dots together. That’s why Theo was so afraid of him seeing anybody; because no one can see him. Because he’s dead. He’sdeadhe’sdeadhe’sdeadhe’s-

“Stiles,” Theo tries approaching again, and this time Stiles doesn’t try to stop him. “It’s okay-“

“It’s not okay!” Stiles shouts, feeling like his throat is closing up. Can that even happen? Does it even matter if he breaths? Yet, he still feels like he’s having a panic attack. Everything around him is crumbling and there’s no way to fix it because he’s laying dead in a closet ten feet away. “I’m a fucking ghost, Theo!”

“You’re not.” Theo says gently, finally stopping when he’s right in front of him, “You just said so, you can still feel, you can eat, you can touch. You’re- you’re something else.”

Stiles can’t stand Theo’s soft, encouraging words. How could he keep this a secret from him? How could he just leave his body down here, collecting fucking dust, and not tell him?

Theo slowly tries to reach out, but Stiles pushes him away, opting instead to rush to the stairs. “Stiles, please-“ Theo calls after him, but Stiles is already running upstairs, feeling like his lungs are about to collapse.

-

Derek is still reeling as Stiles runs upstairs, the look of absolute devastation on his face. Theo stands in the place Stiles left him, staring at the staircase like Stiles will just come back. But then he turns back to Derek, fury in his yellow eyes.

Derek thinks for a moment that he’s about to attack him. Derek doesn’t know what he would do if he did; he’s seen an entirely new side of Theo tonight. He was wrong about thinking Stiles was being held here by him; he was just trying to hide the horrible truth. Probably to avoid a reaction like the one they just witnessed.

But Theo only growls. “Get the fuck out of my house.” He says through gritted teeth, an equal mixture of anger and heartbreak on his face.

Derek clenches his jaw. He glances once more at Stiles’ corpse. “Go!” Theo all but screams. Derek doesn’t need much more than that. He walks past Theo, giving him one last once over before moving towards the stairs. When he looks back, Theo is just watching him, standing in place, looking like his entire world just shattered. And with that, Derek leaves.