The moment I walked into the funeral home I looked everywhere but at the casket. There were workers there, setting up chairs, cleaning, whatever they were paid to do. I sat with my back to the front of the room, facing the doors at the back. Some of the workers gave me odd looks but I ignored them. I started to get lost in my own head, not even realizing when people started to show up.

I finally glanced around at them. Some were looking at me, whispering, feeling sorry for me. Others were huddled together, hugging and crying. No one came to talk to me. Even if they had I wouldn't have answered and I think they sensed that. I still had my back to the casket and my dad. I knew I should be up there with him. He was alone except for some of mom's cousins that we didn't really know. Her parents had died when I was six. I couldn't make myself go up there.

I sat in the same spot for about half an hour. I was sitting there, staring at the ground, when the door opened. It shouldn't have been different than any other time the door opened, but it felt different. Something in the air changed. I knew who it was before I looked. I flew out of my chair and nearly ran across the room, throwing my arms around Derek's neck. I buried my head in his chest and immediately started sobbing. I didn't feel sad, just numb, but the tears wouldn't stop. I felt many pairs of eyes staring at my back but it didn't matter. Derek's arms went around me and he started to slowly sway back and forth.

"Sorry I couldn't get here sooner." Derek whispered in my ear. I didn't respond, clinging to him like he was my lifeline. Derek didn't try to move, just stood there holding me until my sobs subsided to little whimpers. I finally pulled away and took a step back.

"Sorry." I mumbled. Derek tilted my face up, his eyes worried.

"Never be sorry for something like that." I nodded and forced a smile at him.

"Stiles?" I heard Scott call. He got a few dirty looks for his loudness but he ignored them. Scott stopped in front of me, casting a curious look at Derek. He grabbed me and pulled me into a hug, holding me so tight I couldn't breathe. It felt awkward and uncomfortable but I stood there and let him hug me. It didn't hurt to make him think he was helping me. He finally released me and I sighed with relief. Derek taken a few steps away from us waiting for me to look at him.

"I'll be right back." He motioned with his head towards his family. I hadn't realized they were there, but I noticed now that they were standing in line pass the casket. I averted my eyes, still refusing to look. I nodded at Derek, ignoring the panic at him leaving me. I turned back to Scott just in time to see the suspicious look leave his face.

"Is there something going on there?" He asked, falsely nonchalant. I sighed, a bone-deep sound that made me even more tired just hearing it. I hadn't slept very well the night before.

"No, Scott." I said simply.

"But… you guys have been spending a lot of time together and you were at his house. He was nearly hugging the life out of you when I came in." Scott protested. "And-"

"Scott, just drop it!" I snapped, keeping my voice low. I flinched at his wounded puppy look, sighing. "Sorry, just, please drop it. It's my mom's funeral visitation. He's been around a lot helping me deal with it. As soon as he thinks I don't need him anymore he'll be gone." Scott looked like he wanted to protest but thankfully he didn't. I didn't have the strength to argue with him. I turned, going back to my chair. I slumped down, wanting to just go home and sleep. If I could sleep then it would all go away, if only for a while. I sniffed, wiping any stray tears off of my face. Scott sat down next to me thankfully staying silent. If he had tried to talk I may have just walked out. Derek came back a little bit later and sat in front of me. He turned the chair around to face me. For a few minutes we just sat there and stared at each other. His eyes were dark green and I knew subconsciously that meant that he was upset. I didn't take time to analyze how I knew that. With every second that passed I felt my breath come easier until I finally relaxed completely.

"I wanna go home." My voice was broken and tired. Derek nodded and stood up.

"Wait here." He commanded. I nodded but he was already gone. I glanced behind me to see him walking up to my dad. He said something to him and dad nodded glancing over at me. He said something back before shaking Derek's hand. Derek turned and came back over to where Scott and I were still sitting. "Your dad said to go ahead and go home. I'll drive you if you want me to." I nodded solemnly at him. I stood up to follow Derek but remembered Scott.

"Thanks Scott." I said. He nodded, eyes flickering between me and Derek.

"See you tomorrow." He said finally. I followed Derek out to his car and he opened the door for me. I couldn't even make a joke about feeling like a girl. I put my seat belt on as I watched him put his seatbelt on. I was asleep before the car was started.

I had random flashes of reality interrupting my dreams. I vaguely remembered Derek getting me out of the car, fishing my key out of my pocket while holding me with one arm, carrying my up the stairs. Derek placing me on my bed, stripping me down to my boxers then shoving me under the covers. Derek lying on the bed next to me on top of the covers with his arms tucked securely around me. It felt safe and, if nothing else, kept the nightmares away for at least a few hours.