(Disclaimer: Not all people portrayed in this fiction are represented accurately as if in real life.)
Of Pure Heart and Hand
By
REMDreams
The TV hummed quietly in the background of Derek's room as he spun his basketball around on his finger while tipped back on his chair. He was grounded. His father had asked him to take Ms. Roberson a pan of brownies his mother baked and he forgot, which lead him, an 18 year old teen, to be stuck in his room for a week.
For most teens this wouldn't be a problem to forget, but for the Hale family it was huge. It was huge because one, his father was the pastor of a mega church, and two, he was a good boy. He always did his homework, never complained, and went to church every Sunday and Wednesday without fail. He was the prefect son of the Hale family, and as such should behave so.
"Derek." His mother opened the door without knocking, because they had an open door policy in the house. If you couldn't do it in front of your parents, you shouldn't be doing it at all.
"Yes, mom?" Derek said setting the ball down.
"Your father wants to know if you want to go with him to the church today and help him and Grace set up for next Wednesday's study."
Now, usually, Derek wouldn't mind going to the church and helping them out. He didn't mind cleaning things, filing things, or even talking to some people who needed guidance in his or her life, but not today. Today he had bigger things on his mind.
"No thank you, I'm going to study for a test."
"Ah, okay then. I don't want to interrupt that. Study hard and if you do well you might be ungrounded soon." She grinned shortly and left Derek alone. The teen turned back around to his desk and stared at the single piece of smooth white paper there. Before his mother came in he was distracting himself with the basketball, because what was written on the note was almost impossible.
Derek had a crush on someone; he didn't like talking about it because it embarrassed him. And somehow said person found out he had a crush on them. Derek's only thought about who could have done this was his friend, Isaac. He was the only person he told, and therefore Isaac told someone who in turn told said crush.
Derek covered his face with his hands and took a deep breath. "I can't believe this happened." Derek said saying a little prayer.
The issue was his crush was a guy, and not just any guy. He was Stiles Stilinski. The thin pale freshmen who talked so much he was sent to the office almost every day with his friend, Scott. He wasn't sure when he became attracted to Stiles, because they came from two completely different worlds and backgrounds, but Derek's hormones had said otherwise.
Back to the note on his desk. It was from Stiles, asking if he wanted to get something to eat at six tonight. Apparently Stiles had managed to put it in his backpack while he went to the bathroom, it read in fast handwriting:
Hey! Wanted to know if you wanted to get something to eat with me at six tonight? If not that's cool too and I've been reading into this too much, but I'm sure I'm not. I mean, I shouldn't be. Right? But if you don't, that's cool too. We can just pretend this note never happened and we can continue our not knowing each other. I know your father is the pastor of that mega church so this may be over stepping some boundaries. I'm sorry if I did.
I should stop.
Stiles.
He'd also included that place and address in case Derek got lost.
But he was more lost at how Stiles found out, and that brought a blush back across his face. What if he was just playing with him? What if this was just some horrible trick and he was planning on embarrassing him in front of the entire school? Or worse, his family?
"No…no that's stupid…right?" Derek whispered. I've never even had a full conversation with him, so it's all up in the air.
Nodding his head once, Derek reached down to get his book bag as his cell phone rang. He reached down and grabbed it. Isaac.
"Hello?"
"Hey there, how's it going?" Isaac asked.
"You told him?" Derek cut through.
"Whoa, what?"
"You told Stiles that…I have a crush on him."
There was a pause followed by Isaac sighing. "I couldn't help myself." Isaac said. "Actually I told Scott first to see if he was interested at all."
"Why would you do that, Isaac?"
"Because I care about you, and ever since he entered the school all you do is talk about him and his face."
Derek coughed. "That's not true."
"I wonder what Stiles is doing today, I bet Stiles would like this, I wish Stiles would sit closer so-"
"Okay, I get it, but that doesn't excuse it!" Derek hissed.
"Haha, I know, I know I said some bad things, but look at least he knows now and you guys can move forward."
"He's a freshmen!"
"So. He'll be an adult in a few years like you." Isaac said. "How did you find out anyway?"
It was Derek's turn to pause. "He gave me a note…well…slipped it into my back pack when I went to the bathroom."
"Whoa! See? Moving forward already." The teen said proudly.
"What if he wants a relationship?"
"You say okay." Isaac laughed.
"What if…this is a joke?"
"It's not. Trust me. I talked to Scott and Stiles doesn't seem like the type." Isaac said. "I'll cover for you if you need to get out tonight, I know you're grounded."
Derek bit his nail as he thought for a moment. "This is all just…really new to me."
"I know, but are you going to let your parents dictate what you do for the rest of your life? They want to set you up with the girl named, Kate."
"She's not my type."
"Alright then, tell your parents you are studying with me and go on that date."
"Date…ha…"
"You aren't nervous are you?"
"No!"
"Ten dollars says you're biting you nails right now."
Derek spit out his finger. "Good bye." Derek hung up and stood. He had to change if he wanted to do this right.
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.
The plan worked and he was out of the house and standing in front of the pizza place Stiles had told them to meet at, four blocks from the school. Derek took a moment to say a quick prayer before he entered the pizzeria. He spotted Stiles sitting alone in a booth at the far end of the place and felt his heart speed up.
Stiles eyes lit up when he spotted him walking toward the booth. "Hey!" He said with a smile and a wave. This eased Derek's nerves a little as he sat down in the booth across from Stiles.
"Hey." Derek said, and it was all he was able to say for a while as Stiles started to talk.
"I'm glad you got my note, I was worried you'd get it a year later or something and I'd have to come here every day like one of those weird romance movies that has the bittersweet ending. Oh, and I took the liberty to order for us. I got cheese on half the pizza and meats on the other because I wasn't sure if you didn't like meat or something. But if you do like meat, I'll eat all the cheese if you don't want to."
"I'm okay, I like both." Derek smiled.
"Okay, good!" Stiles laughed nervously. "This is like my first date and I wasn't sure how it was supposed to go."
"It's okay…it's technically mines too…actually I had a lot of firsts today." Derek said. Sneaking out of the house. Lying to my mother. I'm in trouble if anything goes wrong.
"Really? I would have thought you were like…really popular." Stiles coughed. "Since you're on the baseball team and all."
"Not really. Honestly…" Derek took a deep breath. "I think because everyone around here knows my father is the leader of the church that I must be stuck up or something…"
"Really? I never thought that." Stiles said softly. "You have a really nice smile and you seem really caring. You're always hanging around Isaac a lot too." Stiles shrugged. "You seem nice. Not stuck up at all."
Derek laughed. "Thanks, Stiles."
"Any time." The younger laughed as the lady came out with the pizza. They dug in instantly, Stiles eating like a race horse.
"So…tell me about yourself." Derek said and Stiles looked up from his slice in thought.
"About me? Ummm…my dad is the sheriff, I'm a freshmen…I like reading…I have a thing for werewolves."
"Werewolves?"
"Yeah…like…um…" Stiles cleared his throat. "I just like reading fantasy books on the subject. My dad use to read a lot to me when I was little."
"Ah, I see."
"Yeah! So I'm an only child too…and usually I just hang out at Scott's house if there is nothing to do. Scott's my best friend by the way…what about you?"
"Well…everyone knows about my family…I'm on the baseball team…I played basketball once, never did it again. Haha. I'm a devote Christian and I love to cook…I have a pet dog named Peter. It was my mom's idea to name him that."
"That's such a weird name for a dog!" Stiles laughed. "Do people think you're calling a child when you yell for him?"
"Sometimes." Derek laughed.
"So is your father really strict? I mean he can't be that strict I guess…apples and trees."
Derek was a little confused, but tried to answer Stiles as best he could. "Actually he is really strict. I try not to get on his bad side. My mother…she is find of a buffer."
"Really?"
"Yeah…once he…um…" Derek trailed off for a moment, debating whether or not to continue his story. "What is your dad like?"
"My dad?" Stiles eyes lit up a little. "He's cool! Well, he used to be until he started to kick me out of crime cases recently. I guess he realized there is big difference between an elementary kid and a high school one."
"Is he nice?"
"Super. He totally goes with the flow on stuff, which is why I do all the cooking in the house or he'd have a fridge full of snack cakes and corn dogs."
Their conversation continued on like this for a while. Just simple banter back and forth to get to know each other, and Derek liked it a lot. He wasn't expecting Stiles to be so interesting and fun to be around. He made him laugh more in those three hours than anyone else has in a month.
"I'm really glad I came out here tonight." Derek said holding the door open for Stiles.
"I'm glad you came out too. It was that or bury my head in shame and pretend I don't know you until you graduate."
Derek laughed. "I wouldn't allow that."
Stiles smiled back. "I'm glad! Because I really like you, Derek."
The older boy felt his face heat up. "I like you too, Stiles. Maybe we can do this again, soon?"
"Most def. I'll even talk to you face to face next time!" Stiles laughed. "I should go, my dad'll be home soon."
"Alright, I'll see you in school!"
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.
"How was the date?" Isaac asked with a grin.
"Really nice. He's a great guy." Derek said softly.
"Are you going to see him again?"
"Yeah, we talked after first period and he wants to go to the movies and out to dinner after."
"Wow, formal."
"It won't be a fancy place. But…can I use you as a cover again?"
"Sure! I don't mind it at all!" Isaac said with a grin. "I'm just glad you found someone."
"You act like I was hopeless."
"Well…with your parents…" Isaac snickered.
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.
"Derek."
The black haired boy stopped short at the door and turn toward the direction of the booming voice. "Yes?"
"Come here, now." He called and Derek obeyed. He entered the kitchen, finding his father sitting alone with his hands folded at the table. Derek felt heart rate speed up. He wasn't sure what he did wrong, but he knew he did something horrible for his father to call him to the kitchen in that tone. Also his mother was nowhere in sight.
"Sit down." His father said and he did. "I look toward the Lord for guidance in times like these." He started and Derek knew he was in deep.
He didn't say anything, instead he just listened to what his father had to say.
"Every Wednesday for the past 25 years I've had bible study at the church. For 18 of those years I made sure your mother brought you there so you could understand the bible better. For your own protection, and for my peace of mind."
Derek nodded slowly.
"Yesterday was Wednesday."
Derek's eyes widened. He'd complete forgot. On top of that he told his mother he was going to study with Isaac…Oh no.
"I recall you telling your mother, that you went to a friend's house to study. STUDY." He repeated the word, turning it over almost. "When I called your friend, Isaac, his mother picked up the phone. She told me that you weren't at her home; that you hadn't been at her house for over three weeks. If I recall last week you told your mother you went to Isaac's house as well to study. One, lying is a sin, two, I want to know where you have been. Because whatever you were doing wasn't right. It wasn't right if you couldn't tell your mother or I. It wasn't right if you had to sneak out to do it. It wasn't right if you had to sin to get there."
His father's gaze was unwavering as he stared at his son who was close to breaking. He tried to find words to say to his father, but nothing came and he knew his father would wait. He was a patient man. But all Derek could think about was when he was 12 and he did something bad, something that made the family look bad, and because of it…he…
"Derek." His father called, bringing him back to full attention.
There was no point in lying. He would find out anyway. Everyone knew his father and everyone wanted in his good graces.
"I went out."
"Where and with whom?"
"I went to see a friend."
"Name and parent's name as well."
Derek opened his mouth to speak, saying it wasn't their fault, but decided against it. That would only get me in more trouble. "Stiles Stilinski. His father is the Sheriff."
"What kind of name is Stiles?"
"I…think it might be his nickname."
"I'd expect better from the Sheriff's son. Honestly I expect better from the Sheriff in general."
There was a pause in the conversation. "Go upstairs and study. You aren't leaving this house for another month, and I'm taking away your phone and computer. I'm talking to your coach too, and Sunday I want you at Sunday school with the kids because I see you can't follow basic instructions. I also want to see you reading your bible every night this week. I'll give you some chapters to look at and verses."
"Yes."
"Bye."
Derek left the kitchen feeling defeated. His little amount of freedom had cost him all his freedom. He hated himself because of it. He didn't deserve Stiles, he didn't deserve what he had.
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.
"I'm so sorry! I ran to the phone!" Isaac said sitting down with Derek at lunch. "My mom grounded me too."
"I don't think I should continue to see, Stiles."
"What? Why? Because your dad said no? Wait, you told him you guys were dating?"
"NO! I just told him I went to hang out with a friend. I think he was angrier that I lied to him, than that I was out with Stiles."
"I bet you have to go to Sunday school."
"I do."
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.
Derek waited outside of Stiles' final class. He'd left his last class a little early in hopes that he would see him one more time before his father brought his iron fist down on him.
"Hey Derek!" Stiles said stopping short when he noticed him outside. "What's up?"
"I don't think it's a smart idea to continue seeing you." Derek said firmly and watched as Stiles' bright smile faded into a frown. It broke his heart.
"W-what? Why?" Stiles looked confused and worried.
"I just don't think it'll work out. You and I aren't…compatible."
"I thought you had a good time with me? I've never see you laugh around campus…I mean…I'm not around you all day. But I've noticed you for a while, you're really handsome…but that isn't the point right now." Stiles shook his head. "I really like you, Derek. I thought…you felt the same?"
Derek couldn't deal with this. He couldn't deal with seeing Stiles sad, like a kicked puppy. "I like you too…a lot."
"Then why?"
"My father."
Stiles expression changed and Derek wanted to hit himself. He didn't deserve Stiles if he was hurting him so much.
"Do you always do what you father ask?"
"Usually…but you were the first person that broke me of that pattern."
"Derek…"
"I'm really sorry, Stiles. But I can't keep seeing you if my father thinks it's wrong."
"He doesn't like the fact I'm a boy?"
"He doesn't like that I'm sneaking out to see you when I'm grounded. He doesn't know I'm dating you or that you are a boy."
"Oh…Jesus…"Stiles ran a hand through his hair. "I wasn't expecting all of this. I mean I should have, but I didn't. I should listen to Scott more."
"I'm sorry, I really am." Derek said again.
Stiles shook his head. "Maybe we can do something else?"
"Stiles…"
"We can make this work, we just have to be smart."
"Stiles…"
"What if I join your church?"
Derek was silent for a moment.
"I know it sounds kind of drastic, but I use to be in a church, but after my mother…" Stiles trailed off for a moment. "I really want to join!"
Derek shook his head.
"I know you want to stay with me Derek, so please give me a chance." Stiles said and reached out, touching the side of Derek's hand. They hadn't actually held hands yet, Derek wouldn't allow it. He was embarrassed, but honestly he'd be embarrassed holding anyone's hand. It was a reflex.
"Okay…alright…" Derek nodded his head slowly.
"That way I can see you more and even get a little enlightenment."
Derek smiled at that. "Thank you, Stiles."
"Anytime!" Stiles smiled again and Derek smiled back. He wouldn't have thought about it like Stiles, but Stiles has his own way of thinking.
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.
Sunday rolled around with ease and Derek was up bright and early for Sunday school. He helped everyone separate into their groups, helped the adults, and taught the children, and when everything was finished for the first shift he went over to the daycare to settle the smaller kids before heading out front to greet people at the door for the first service.
Good mornings and pleasantries were said at the door, but honestly Derek was waiting for the most important guest to arrive. He told Stiles to come 10 minutes before the first service that way he could sit with him I toward the front in one of the reserved spots for family and close friends.
"God Morning." Derek said with a bright smile when he finally spotted Stiles.
"Hey! Wow this place is huge. I feel like an ant." Stiles said as Derek lead him to the front of the church.
"Yeah, it can be a little intimidating to first timers." Derek said side stepping into a pew with Stiles. Other people soon filled in, people who were good friends of the Hale family, and those who his father was working with one on one for important life consulting.
"Do you think your father will notice me?" Stiles asked looking down the pew at the adults.
"Maybe, but right now I think it's best to just go to a few services and pray that he doesn't get angry. My father is a nice man, he's just very strict. He doesn't want me to make mistakes."
"Please make mistakes no matter what. It's part of growing up and learning." Stiles said fixing his tie.
"You like fine." Derek grinned.
"Thanks…you don't look too bad yourself." Stiles laughed just as the hall was silenced and the service began.
.
.
.
People started to file out of the hall as the choir sung their closing song. Stiles and Derek stood, heading down the pew line.
"Did you enjoy it?" Derek asked a little nervous.
"Yeah, I wasn't expecting it to be so upbeat and friendly. The church I went to was kind of quiet and somber. I felt like I had a pep talk for the week."
"Great! I thought you might dislike it."
"No, I couldn't do that." Stiles grin. "Your dad was really good."
"Thank you." Derek said as they reached the end. "I'd walk you out, but I have to get ready for the second service and talk to my parents. I'll see you at school Stiles."
"Alright, I'll see you soon! Bye!" Stiles waved as he disappeared in the crowed. Derek wanted more than anything to follow him, instead he headed toward the stage where he entered a door to the back where his parents were.
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.
Several weeks passed, and each one Stiles came to service. Derek was over joyed that Stiles was enjoying it, and when the Sheriff had off, he came a few times with his son too. Derek couldn't have been happier or prouder of Stiles for liking it, and only hoped that when the time came, his father would accept Stiles and his father. But he wasn't sure when the time to bring it up would be.
But his father did.
It was Saturday evening and they were all seated at the dining room table eating with light conversation when his father cleared his throat a little, getting the attention of his wife and son.
"It has come to my attention that you've been bringing a friend with you to service for the past several weeks." His father started.
Derek felt his stomach drop, it was almost identical to being on a rollercoaster and he wanted to hide under a rock. "Yes, he was interested."
"What's his name?" His mother asked delighted.
"Stiles." Derek said with apprehension hoping his father forgot the name.
"Stiles Stilinski?" He hadn't.
"Yes."
"You know him?" His mother asked his father.
"He was the boy your son decided to sneak out with. Why did he decide to come to church?"
"He was looking for a community." Derek said now biting his nails.
"Community, huh? Has he found it?"
"I hope so, he really likes the church. He really likes your services." Derek replied.
"What about his parents?" His mother asked.
"His father came a few times, but he's busy with work and can't come as often."
"His mother?" His father inquired.
"She passed away years ago."
"Oh, that is sad. I can see why he might want to find a community." Mrs. Hale said. "Why don't you invite him over for dinner?"
"Talia."
"Oh come on, don't be such a party pooper." She laughed lightly. "We haven't entertained people in a while. Invite his father too…when he's free of course!"
"I'll have to ask him." Derek said feeling himself get sick. Having Stiles sitting at a table with his parents and almost too much for him.
"Great!" His mother clapped her hands together. "Maybe after we can invite them back and if everything goes well have a brunch with them and some of the other members of the church."
Derek smiled, but inside he felt nervous.
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.
.
"I thought they hated me." Stiles said.
"Hate is a strong word." Derek said softly. He had just told Stiles the news and by the graces of God his father had next Friday off.
"I'm just a little worried I'll do something and they'll h-dislike my dad and me forever."
"They wouldn't…or I hope they wouldn't. My mother loves to entertain, so as long as she likes you my dad will be okay with you."
"Let's hope."
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.
The Stilinski's sat down at the large outside deck table Mrs. Hale had set up for the occasion of the arriving family. Derek watched from the kitchen as she fixed a vase full of flowers before telling them to help themselves to the iced tea and water before going back inside.
"I'm almost done getting things ready, why don't you go outside and talk to your friend and his father. Your father will be back soon." Mrs. Hale said taking mini sandwiches out of the fridge. Derek nodded and headed outside into the bright light.
"Good Afternoon!" He said walking over to shake Sheriff. Stilinski's hand.
"Hey there, if I'd had known this was going to be so fancy I would have dressed up." He laughed.
"Oh no, my mother just really likes to do over the top little things. Don't worry." Derek said taking a seat.
"Is your father around?"
"He'll be here in a little while. He had business at the church." Derek said as he mother came out with the first round of small finger foods.
"Here we are." She said before sitting down. "I hope everyone likes cucumbers."
They ate together and had small talk, mostly between the adults, while Derek and Stiles shared small grins at each other during parts of stories their parent told. It was nice and pleasant and Derek was thankful that his mother got to know them before his father.
"Oh, I think I hear him pulling up I'll go welcome him." Mrs. Hale said standing and going into the house to greet her husband.
"You have a very nice mom, Derek." The Sheriff said relaxed.
"Thank you." Derek grinned as his mother returned with his father. He sat at the head of the table, but first shook hands with the sheriff.
"Welcome to my home!" Mr. Hale said sitting down. "Sorry about being late, I had emergency business at the church. Speaking of I believe I saw you there once or twice yourself, Sheriff."
"You'd be right, I came a few times with Stiles. I can't go every weekend because I'm working so much."
"I can understand working hard to raise a family, but there is always room for God in anyone's life." Mr. Hale said with a nod. "Stiles, how did you and Derek meet?"
Derek froze and stared at Stiles unsure of what he was going to say.
"We met through friends. My friend Scott knows Isaac." Stiles replied and Derek relaxed a little.
"Ah, well it's always good to have connections."
The conversation continued on for a while until it was almost 1:30. There were more pleasantries passed back and forth before the Stilinski's left leaving the Hales alone and able to talk.
"What did you think?" Mrs. Hale asked.
"They aren't what I was expecting." He replied and Derek felt himself get a little sick.
"What were you expecting?"
"A hooligan and his restless father." He said harshly. "But I won't go on, they weren't like that at all. They seemed…"
"Normal?"
"I wouldn't go that far." Mr. Hale laughed.
"Am I allowed to talk to him?" Derek asked softly and his father turned to him.
"A few visits to a church doesn't make someone a good person, Derek. A good person is proved not shown."
Derek nodded and watched as his father retired to his study for the evening and he went upstairs.
"Oh, Derek wait!" His mother called holding up his phone. "You are ungrounded starting now."
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.
"I guess that is as good as it's going to get." Isaac said picking at his School lunch.
"I just want to…" Derek shook his head.
"What? What do you want?" Isaac asked. "You've talked to him for so long, and you've been on two dates. I don't know if you're courting or dating or just checking each other out."
"Well what should I do?"
"You have to answer that starting with what you want with Stiles. Where do you see your relationship going?"
Derek blushed thinking about that. Up until now he'd try to keep his hormones and stronger feelings out of their relationship. When he really thought about it their relationship was so platonic it hurt. But he didn't want to allow himself to fall into lust.
"I'm afraid I might lust after him instead of…of…"
"Love? Derek you are the most pure guy I know. I don't think you are capable of lust. At least allow yourself to fall in love with him. It won't hurt anything." Isaac said with a friendly grin.
"What if he doesn't feel the same?"
"He had multiple times to leave you, and he chose to stay and on top of that he joined your family's church. I don't think he's going anywhere. Try."
Isaac made all of the since in the world. He needed to let his guard down and actually…fall in love with Stiles. Admiring him for so long wasn't going to get their relationship anywhere.
"Okay…" Derek said with a simple nod. "I'll talk to him more…and…maybe let my guard down a little."
"At least hold his hand."
"Right…"
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.
After months of not being able to see Stiles alone, he was the one who asked if it was okay to go on a date tonight. The younger boy was over the moon excited by the offer and was waiting by the pizzeria they had their first date at when Derek came around the corner.
"Sorry I'm late!" Derek said quickly.
"Actually you are right on time!" Stiles said with a grin. "Where are we going?"
"Down to the north bank for a picnic." Derek said turning to show Stiles his book bag which contained everything for the event.
"Really? That is so old fashion it's cool! Let's go! Which way is it?" Stiles asked looking around excited. Derek lead them about a half a mile until they reach an embankment with manicured thick grass and a few scattered trees. Water was at the bottom, a river that lead through town. Derek set up the blanket and put all the food down while Stiles went to the water's edge to look at the geese swimming by. When he returned to sit down he noticed how nervous Derek was.
"Is everything okay?" Stiles asked concerned.
"Yes, I just hope you like this. I wasn't sure what else to do…to be honest."
"I really like it! You have to believe in yourself more, Derek!" Stiles said picking up his cup. "Is this cran-grape? I love cran-grape!"
They talked for a while, laid in the sun, and Stiles even told some funny jokes about his younger years and his father. It was an all-around nice time they had.
"I was talking to Isaac a few days ago…" Derek said looking up at the sky. "And I wanted to know what you thought about something."
"Yeah, sure what is it?" Stiles asked finishing off his piece of cake.
"I wanted to know if…if it would be okay if we held hands."
Stiles expression went blank and Derek's face turned red completely regretting his decision to say anything. He might be older than Stiles, but his life experiences were limited.
Stiles started to open his mouth but Derek cut him off. "I'm sorry forget it!" He turned away from Stiles, but the teen reached out his hand and touched Derek's shoulder causing him to turn toward Stiles again. A wide smiles was spread across his face, his teeth bright and shiny, and his eyes clear and filled this joy. Stiles laughed, he laughed hard and loud.
Derek opened his mouth this time, but was cut off by Stiles. "Derek! Derek I would love to hold your hand! I've been waiting for you to feel comfortable enough to let me!"
"Oh?" Derek still looked concerned so Stiles composed himself.
"I know you're really…ah…what's the right word…modest? I wouldn't push you to do anything you wouldn't want to do. When you are ready for things I'll be ready for them right along with you."
It was Derek's turn to smile. "Really?"
"Yeah! Come on dude! I l…I really like you and I wouldn't want to push you away by making you do things you wouldn't want to. I'm happy enough dating you."
Derek grinned, a full out honest grin. "There was one more thing I wanted to show you…because we've been dating so long…and I know my parents aren't completely okay with us hanging out to begin with but I think it's the right move." Derek reached into his book bag.
"You got me a puppy?"
"No, nothing like that." Derek smiled and turned to Stiles. "I hope it fits." He said holding out the small sliver ring to Stiles.
The younger teen's mouth dropped open when he saw the ring. It was nice, and clearly cost a pretty penny.
"Derek…"
"Would it be okay it we made this completely official?"
Stiles grabbed the ring out of Derek's hand and put it on his finger, watching it glisten in the warm sun light. "Hell yeah! I mean heck yeah!" Stiles smiled. "Do you have one too?"
"I do. It matches." Derek said pulling out his own and slipping it on. "You're okay with this?"
"Yes! I really am!" Stiles smiled. "Can I hug you for this or…?"
"Of course!" Derek said and they hugged, sending a bolt of warmth through their bodies. Derek didn't want to let go, and inhaled the scent of Stiles, warm, clean, and sweet. When they let go Stiles was still smiling.
"I'm going to rub this in Scott's face." Stiles laughed and Derek smiled at him.
Derek looked down blushing. All of this was a huge step for him, and he couldn't be happier. He'd had a crush on Stiles for so long, and finally he was allowing himself to let his guard down. No matter what his parents would say, he'd stick by Stiles no matter what. It might be too early to say it…but he was actually falling in love with him, and he thanked God every day for him.
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Thank you for reading! This is intended to be a one shot but if people really like it I might write another chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading!