101 Sterek Drables
3. Father's Day
Sheriff Stillinski's face lit up and he rubbed his hands together in anticipation at the Father's Day meal his son had prepared for him. Surprisingly, Derek had helped a little, insiting on grilling the burgers, which the sheriff had to admit looked good. Having Derek around had been an adjustment to be sure. The wolf had been living with them about three months. Stiles fixed their plates as usual. That's just how his son was, always wanting to take care of people.
"Happy Father's Day," Stiles announced rather obnoxiously, setting his plate down in front of him. "Enjoy it, because after that its health food for you."
The sheriff grimaced, even as he eyed his plate with appreciation: french fries, baked beans with bacon and onions in them, potato salad, and the thick burger Derek had made. Stiles set his boyfriend's plate in front of him and then seated himself last as he usually did. Derek had learned not to say anything about his boyfriend's willingness to give, it was just one of those many things he'd come to love about the teen. The three of them ate and chatted like a family. The sheriff talked about new cases to crack, while Stiles complained about school, Scott, La Crosse, and Jackson. Derek didn't talk much because Father's Day reminded him all too well that he didn't have a father anymore. He stopped eating at the sad thought and Stiles noticed it immediately.
"Hey," he said gently. "What's wrong?"
Derek felt a tinge of anger, and found himself wanting to direct it at the last person he ever should. How could Stiles ask that? Still, Derek knew the boy didn't mean anything by it. Its not like he could read his mind.
"I," Derek said irritably. "Father's Day isn't something I ever really do, you know?"
A look of comprehension dawned on Stiles face and Derek snorted. The boy just looked so funny with his facial expressions sometimes.
"What?" Stiles asked incredilously.
"Your face," Derek retorted.
"Your face," Stiles retorted in reply. "Maybe you should look in the mirror. You need to smile more."
"Make more faces and I will," Derek replied playfully, failing to restrain the accompanying grin.
Stiles shook his head but smiled a little in spite of himself. He secretly thought Derek's behavior was precious. Sheriff Stillinski tried to look normal and act like nothing was happening. He'd gotten used to their lover's quarrels. He still found himself thinking that his son and Derek made quite the interesting pair. When they were finished Stiles told them to wait there. Derek and the Sheriff eyed one another with raised eyebrows, well prepared for something of Stiles' zaney antics. The boy returned looking kind of flustered.
"Um, its probably too big for me to carry in here."
The Sheriff shook his head and was flabergasted when Stiles led them into the basement. The gift box was the size of a large couch.. Stiles was known for that too: lavish gifts, but he truly had a heart of gold, Derek realized. That's how unselfish he was. Derek had gotten the Sheriff something too, but only he knew that. He wasn't sure he could display the proper emotion to actually give it to the man. Besides, it would only be a drop in the bucket to Stiles' gift, which turned out to be a pool table.
"Why did I need a pool table?" Stiles' dad asked skeptically.
"Because," Stiles began in that obnoxious tone. "Father-son bonding outlet. Besides, Derek can play too."
Derek wasn't saying anything, which his boyfriend was all too quick to notice.
"Derek?" Stiles asked, ever-concerned.
"I uh..." Derek hesitated, his expression turning almost pained, as he thought how to express it. "I got you a gift too."
He looked at the Sheriff, who looked curious and interested. Stiles eyed him in surprise. When had he ever known Derek to be like this toward anyone other than him? The wolf went up the basement stairs, giving them a look that seemed to indicate he'd be right back. He returned with a small little box and handed it to the Sheriff, his face fixed in a nervous stare.
"I know it isn't anything like Stiles' gift," he muttered self-consciously. "But I hope you like it."
Sheriff Stillinski smiled a little.
"Thank you Derek," he said, meaning it. "Its the thought that counts."
He opened the little box and found a new watch of imitation gold. Derek felt shame at his small gift, but the Sheriff rose to his feet and shocked Stiles to the core. He embraced Derek, his demeanor genuine.
"I know I'm not your father Derek," he told him softly. "But I wouldn't mind if you wanted to think of me as such."
Something sparked within Derek at the man's words and their hug, and suddenly Father's Day didn't seem so lonely anymore.
"I already do," Derek found himself saying in a soft voice, before surprising himself, "...dad."