A knocking on the front door woke me from my sleep. It took me a minute to understand where I was; Dereks place. As I got up from the bed I heard voices in what must have been Dereks room. They were speaking loud enough for me to hear what was being said.
"So he slept over?" A girls voice questioned; I assumed it was Erica.
"Yes, his dads out of town so I let him stay". I smiled at hearing Dereks voice, sounding gruff as if he had just woken himself.
"Where is he?" Erica asked.
"In the spare room".
"Why?" I didn't hear Dereks response to this, as they left the room and made their way downstairs. I decided to take a shower, noticing that the room had an ensuite that I hadn't seen last night; probably because I was too tired. The shower was amazing, so big and spacious. My mind drifted away as I washed myself, thinking about showering with Derek. There was enough room in here for us to do just that. Imagine the things we could do... Snapping back to reality, I got out the shower using the towels already in there. I hoped Derek didn't mind me using them. Maybe I should have asked first, but it was too late now. I walked back through into the room in just the towel, to be met by Erica who was sitting on the bed.
"Jesus". I jumped back. What was it with me and coming out the shower to be greeted by people?
"Hey sweetie. Sorry if I scared you". Erica smiled at me, looking at my wet body. "It's a shame it's me who gets to see you like this". She winked at me.
"Sorry?" I asked, confused. Who would want to see me in just a towel? I mean, look at me.
"Nothing, it doesn't matter. Anyway, I made Derek go pick up some pancakes from the diner for breakfast".
"Sweet". I replied, smiling at her. I instantly knew I was going to like Erica. "But um, can I get changed?" I asked.
"Be my guest". She grinned at me, not budging from where she was seated. When I just stared at her, she laughed at me. "Don't worry, I was joking! Anyway, I'm pretty sure Derek wouldn't approve of me seeing you naked". She was still laughing as she stood to leave the room.
"Why?" I asked, a little hope springing up inside of me. Was it because he would be jealous?
"Oh, I'm just sure he wouldn't want you feeling uncomfortable. Given that you are his guest and all". She left me standing there, that little bit of hope fading away instantly. I got ready quickly, and made my way downstairs to find Erica sat in the kitchen making coffee. As she heard me approach, she asked if I wanted some.
"Yeah thanks". I answered, sitting up at the counter as she placed a cup in front of me, sitting opposite.
"So how you liking Derek?" She asked, blowing on her coffee to try and cool it down.
"What do you mean?" I said, not really sure what she was asking.
"Oh you know; his constant grumpiness. Aren't you sick of it already?" She smiled at me.
"Um, well he's not so bad anymore. Don't get me wrong, he's still a grumpy guy but he's better than he was when we first met".
"Huh, really?" Erica was looking at me with a look of curiosity.
"Errr, yeah. I mean, you've been friends with him for a long time right? You should know he's not as grumpy as he first makes out".
"Yeah I know that. Only, it took about six months for Derek to stop being so damn grumpy with me. I don't know how I handled it really; anybody else would have ditched him after the first week".
"Six months? Are you serious?" I was surprised by this.
"Deadly serious". Erica chuckled a little. "Sometimes I thought he was just going to bite my head off. It's quite funny now I think about it".
"Why did you stick around with him all that time?" I was the one who was curious now.
"I guess I just wanted to see past his grumpiness. I don't know why but I knew there was more to him. Also, it's not like he doesn't have a reason to be like that. You know, with his parents and that".
"Yeah, I suppose". I couldn't think of much else to say. I knew what had happened to Dereks family; everyone in town did. I would never try and speak about it with him though. I want him to be the one to bring it up, if he ever wants to.
"Anyway, I'm glad I stuck around. He's the best guy I know and I'm lucky to have him as my best friend". Erica smiled at me. "You're lucky too Stiles, don't screw it up".
"I won't". I replied.
"I'm serious. You obviously mean something to him, and I don't want you to hurt him. Hell, I know he seems hard and that, but inside he is soft. Trust me". I could see how much Erica cared about Derek, and I thought it was amazing. I just nodded at her, not knowing what to say. Just then, the front door opened and Derek strolled in with a load of pancakes.
"Ah, my hero". I grinned, as he placed some in front of me. "I'm starving".
"Me too". Erica laughed, reaching over and taking some from Dereks hold. He poured himself a coffee and sat down next to Erica.
"So what were you two talking about?" Derek asked, taking a bite from his pancake.
"You". Erica replied bluntly. I chuckled to myself at the scowl he gave her.
"What? Why? What did you say?" Derek growled. I noticed that he was giving Erica some sort of look that Erica obviously knew the meaning of.
"Calm down man, I didn't say anything bad about you. It was all good, I swear". Erica winked at him and Derek just went back to eating his pancakes. "I did however catch your guest coming out from the shower. Fine body he has I must say". I blushed at this and couldn't believe that she had said it. It was like she was teasing Derek, who just scowled at her, not saying anything.
"Ha, I love it". Erica smiled. I don't know what she loved, but Derek must have known, given the way he was looking at her. They chatted through the rest of breakfast, Erica winding Derek up as much as she could. I loved watching the way they acted with each other; they just knew each other so well that they knew how far they could push, and when to stop. It was fun to watch them. When we had finished eating, Erica got up to leave.
"You really just came round for breakfast?" Derek asked, raising his eyebrow at her.
"Of course not, what do you take me for? Would I ever just use you like that?" She grinned.
"Yes". Derek replied.
"Well anyway I came to keep you company but you already have that sorted. So I can go see Boyd and leave you two boys happy within each others company. Play nice!" She left at that, with me still sitting at the counter, lost for words. Derek turned back to me.
"Sorry about Erica". He said to me.
"Why? She's cool". I smiled. I really liked her and hoped I would get to know her more.
"If you say so". Derek replied, taking a gulp of coffee.
"So..." I said.
"So what?" Derek was looking at me now.
"What you want to do?" I really hoped he didn't already have plans which didn't include me.
"Um, I don't know". He shrugged.
"Well sourwolf, since you didn't give any suggestions you can come shopping with me".
"Food shopping?"
"No, present shopping. I need something for my dad, his birthdays next week. So you can help me".
Derek groaned at this, clearly not a fan of shopping. I wasn't taking no for an answer though, and went round to grab his arm, dragging him up. "Hey, at least I'm not driving a whole hour for a jacket". I laughed at him, receiving a scowl at the same time.
Against my protest, we had driven in Derek's car. Don't get me wrong, his car is awesome. I just love my jeep too much. It's probably an unhealthy kind of obsession I have going on there, but I don't care. We had only been in the mall for about ten minutes when I spotted Scott and Alison, coming right at us. I knew I couldn't run like last time, as he had clearly noticed me. Instead I just groaned, making Derek look at me.
"What's up?" He asked.
"Scott". I really didn't want to see him. Especially not after yesterday. What was even worse was that he had seen me with Derek. I know there was always a chance of seeing him here, but I just didn't expect it really. He never goes to the mall. Clearly this was Alisons doing.
"Huh?"
"He's coming right over. Brace yourself". I warned him, nodding to where Scott and Alison were getting closer. When he reached us, I decided to say something before he could.
"Sup dude, what you doing here?" I smiled; ignoring the look he was giving me and Derek.
"I asked him to come". Alison answered instead, obviously seeing that her boyfriend was having trouble thinking of anything nice to say. "I needed some stuff and Lydia was busy, so I kind of dragged him along". She chuckled nervously, nudging Scott to say something.
"Oh right. Well, have fun". I said, hoping we could just part right now.
"Why are you here?" Scott asked, prying his eyes from Derek to look at me.
"I need a present for my dad". I said truthfully.
"Right. And your friend?" He pushed on, even though he knew exactly who Derek was.
"Derek". I sighed, feeling uncomfortable. Derek held his hand out which Scott took (to my surprise). Alison seemed to be as nervous as me at this encounter.
"I didn't know you and him..." Scott started, cutting himself off.
"Yes, we're friends". I said. "And we need to finish shopping, so I'll see you around". I rushed the words out, hoping to leave him and Alison and this awkward moment behind.
"You never told me". Scott didn't seem to care about being rude or not.
"You never asked". I snapped, angry at the way he was being.
"I shouldn't have to". Scott seemed to be getting angrier, and Alison must have noticed. She grabbed his arm and tugged at him.
"Hey Scott, we really need to get back. My dad's waiting for me". She managed to drag him away and smiled back at me apologetically.
When they had left us standing there, Derek turned to me.
"What was that?" He asked.
"I told you he wouldn't be impressed". I replied.
"He shouldn't speak to you like that". Derek growled, clearly not happy.
"He doesn't usually, just when he's angry". I replied, trying to defend him. He's still my best friend, and I want Derek to like him, not hate him because of one bad interaction. "Want a coffee?" I asked, leading him over to a coffee shop.
"Sure". He said. As we sat down with our drinks, Derek turned the conversation back to Scott.
"I don't understand why you have to tell him who you become friends with".
"It's just, it's complicated I guess. It's not about telling him who I'm friends with". I replied.
"Then what is it?" He asked.
"You". I said, looking away.
"Excuse me?"
"It's just...well; you're not the friendliest of guys Derek. And in school you come across as some awful guy. So I guess Scotts just worried about me".
"Right". Derek replied. "He has a funny way of showing that he's worried though". Derek grumbles.
"I know he does. But it's probably about yesterday too". I replied, not thinking about what I'd said. I forgot I hadn't told him why I'd been crying the night before.
"Wait, is he the one who upset you?" Derek asked.
"Maybe. Just a little". I replied, a bit embarrassed now. At least when he hadn't known what had made me cry, he probably didn't think I was pathetic. Now, knowing I'd been crying over a tiny argument with my friend, he'd definitely change his opinion about me. "I over reacted a little to be fair".
"What did he do?" Derek growled. I looked up to see the anger on his face, which really surprised me.
"He didn't do anything". I stumbled out. "We just had an argument, that's all".
Derek was looking at me now with a strange look on his face. Concern maybe? He went to say something, but stopped himself.
"You're ok now though, right?" Derek asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. It was just stupid, nothing important". I replied.
"Good. But if he upsets you again, I won't be sorry for what I'll do to him". Derek stated. I was so shocked at the way Derek had reacted; Erica was right, I was lucky. Lucky to have a friend who cared so much about me. I should be grateful he was such a good friend and not sad that he only saw me as that; just a friend.
"Ok". It came out like a whisper.
The rest of the shopping trip was uneventful. I ended up buying my dad a shirt and some aftershave. I also bought him a cool mug with some sort of design on about being a sheriff. I thought it was pretty awesome. We had some curly fries as we wandered around browsing at shops from the outside before we decided to leave. We had spent quite a while in the mall, and it was about 2pm when we left. Derek said we needed to get some food in, which led to a trip to the supermarket.
"Anything you want just put in the trolley". Derek told me. Dad had called telling me he wasn't coming back tonight and so I was staying at Dereks again. That was fine by me.
"Ok". I answered. I put a bag of curly fries into the trolley, receiving an amused look from Derek. "What?"
"You sure do like curly fries don't you?"
"Yeah". I grinned.
"Ok so we need some coke and then I think we're done". Derek said, leading us to the soda aisle. I tried to put some red bull in the trolley but Derek stopped me telling me I didn't need any more energy. I just stuck my tongue out at him. We proceeded to the check out and as we made our way over to the car, I saw Isaac walking over to us.
"Hey guys". Isaac said as he reached us, just as we were opening up the boot to put the shopping in.
"Hey". I replied, and Derek just smiled at him.
"I'm glad I saw you both actually". Isaac smiled.
"Yeah, how come?" I asked, seeing as Derek clearly didn't feel like talking much.
"There's this party I'm having, and wanted to invite you both". He replied. "It's tomorrow night, you up for it?"
"Yeah!" I grinned, just as Derek replied with a 'no'.
"Dude, why not?" I asked him, frowning.
"I don't do parties".
"Aw come on". Isaac complained. "You did fine at the wedding one".
"I want to go!" I said to Derek, trying to guilt him into it.
"Then you go". He replied. Isaac was just listening to us now.
"I can't go without you". I moaned.
"Why not?" He had finished loading up the boot, and was about to put the trolley back.
"I don't know anyone".
"Neither do I".
"Exactly, so you have to come with me. I don't want to go alone. Pleaseeee". I gave him my best puppy dog eyes until he caved in.
"Fine". Derek growled and walked over to the trolley stand, leaving me with Isaac.
"Good work". Isaac was grinning at me.
"Thanks". I replied.
"Give me your number, and I can text you the details, ok?" Isaac asked, handing me his phone.
"Ok, cool". I replied, taking it from him, and handing him my phone too. Isaac put his number in and took a photo of himself grinning like a maniac. "Nice". I laughed at him, switching back phones just as Derek got back.
"So I'll see you at the party". Isaac smiled at us and turned to leave.
As we got into the car, I couldn't help but laugh at Derek.
"What?" He growled, turning out of the car park.
"You're just so..." I started, but Derek interrupted me.
"So what?" He asked.
"Never mind". I replied. I wanted to say he was so adorable when he was being grumpy. Because even if it was intimidating at first; I had grown to get used to it. I still prefer it when he smiles though. And not just a little smile, I mean his big heart warming sincere one. He doesn't do it very often but when he does, my heart melts.
Later that evening, Derek and I were settled on opposite ends of the couch watching some crappy movie on TV. I wasn't too sure what it was, but it was quite bad. I wasn't sure if Derek was enjoying it or not but he seemed to be watching it. I had become bored and restless and just had to move about. As I stood up, Derek looked at me, not saying anything.
"Can we go to the games room?" I asked. "Please?"
"Why?" Derek replied.
"Because this film sucks". I smiled.
"It's not that bad". I could see the smile Derek was trying to hold back and so I just stood and waited. "Ok fine, it's awful. But there isn't anything else on".
"That's exactly why we should go to the games room! What's the point in having one if you don't use it?" I grinned, heading for the stairs before he stopped me.
"Ok, fine". Derek got up and followed me up. I instantly made my way over to the dance machine thing, grinning mischievously over to Derek.
"We are so doing this!" I laughed. "Come on, we're having a dance off". I was about to start it up when Derek pulled me away. "Aw come on, sourwolf. Scared I'll beat you?"
"Shut up Stiles". Derek scowled at me.
"Ok, fine. How about a game of pool then?" I asked, making my way over to the pool table. I wasn't too good at playing it, but it was a fun game at least.
"Yes". Derek agreed, setting up the table. I picked my cue out of a choice of six, taking the smallest one. Derek chose a one much larger than my own. After playing for a little (Derek was already beating me), I couldn't help but prod him with my cue to try and put him off.
"Stop it". Derek growled at me. I chuckled, ignoring his angry tone. "Stiles, seriously". He warned me.
"Sorry". I laughed, but kept doing it, making him mess up his shot and pot one of my balls down instead. "Yay! My turn". I called out, but Derek had turned his cue toward me now. He had placed it on my chest, and pushed me up against the wall with it. I probably would have been a bit scared, but I could see by his face that he wasn't going maniac on me. I still gulped and shut up though. I just stared back at him. He dropped the cue, and moved his hand onto my chest to keep me in the position. Derek still wasn't saying anything, just staring at me.
"Hey, it's my go man. You're cheating". I said sarcastically.
"Really?" Derek said back. He was smirking at me now, and it looked like he was some animal who had just caught their prey. Again, I wasn't scared though. Something about Derek just made me feel at ease.
"Yes". I answered. "So if you don't mind letting me go so I can go finish whipping your sorry ass at the game..." I grinned, because I was very much losing with no chance of actually winning, and we both knew it. Derek moved his head closer to me, and my brain just stopped working. I couldn't handle him being this close to me. We stayed like that for what seemed like forever, before Derek eventually backed off and spoke.
"Stiles, there is no way you could ever beat me". He grinned, turning back to the pool table to finish our game. My heart was beating so fast I thought it was going to just explode. It's crazy that Derek could do that to me and not even know. How could he not feel my heart beat and realise how I felt? Anyway, we carried on with the game and played another three times. Derek beat me every time.
We ate dinner and headed to bed soon after. I didn't sleep as easy this night though, my mind just thinking about Derek constantly. I couldn't shut my mind off to get to sleep and decided to go downstairs to get a glass of water. Sitting at the kitchen counter in the dark, I heard a noise and freaked out, jumping off the chair and hiding behind the counter. It was stupid really; I was in Dereks house so it was obviously just Derek coming down. But my over imaginative mind automatically thought of some crazy murderer who had broken in to come and kill me. But then the light turned on, and I relaxed a little. A murderer wouldn't turn the light on, right?
"Stiles?" I heard Dereks voice. I felt myself blush; suddenly embarrassed at the fact I was hiding behind the counter. I slowly got up and turned to look at him.
"Hey Derek, sup man?" I asked casually.
"What were you doing?" I could see he was amused by this situation.
"I, um..." I was trying to think of something better to say. "I was just sitting. On the floor. In your kitchen". I kicked myself inside for being so stupid.
"Ok? Any reason you were sat on the floor in my kitchen?" He asked, walking over to get himself a glass of water.
"Fine!" I gave in, knowing that Derek would get it out of me anyway. "I thought you were an intruder and that you were going to kill me". I stumbled out, reaching for my water.
"Right". Derek seemed to think about this before smiling. "And you thought they wouldn't find you, even if you left your water on the counter above you?" Derek was chuckling now.
"Ah, bite me sourwolf". I replied.
"Why are you up anyway?" Derek asked.
"I couldn't sleep". I admitted.
"Me neither. You want to watch TV with me for a bit?" He was walking into the living room now.
"Sure". I answered, following him.
I must have fallen asleep on the sofa as the next thing I know is that I'm being carried upstairs to the spare room. I woke up briefly to see it was Derek carrying me, and smiled to my sleepy self. Derek must have noticed I'd woken up.
"My sofa isn't all that comfy, so I thought I'd take you to bed". Derek whispered to me.
"You're taking me to bed? I didn't know you felt that way Mr Hale". I couldn't help being sarcastic even in such a sleepy state. If I had been awake properly, I know I would have blushed at what I'd said.
"Goodnight Stiles". Was all Derek replied with, tucking me into bed. I fell asleep with Dereks face looking down at me. I was pretty sure I felt his hand rub my cheek but I could have just being dreaming. I really wished I wasn't dreaming though.
NOTES
I hope you guy like this chapter! Their relationship is starting to heat up, slowly. I didn't want them to just get together straight away but I feel like it's time soon! Keep reviewing, and thanks again guys!
