/ / / Derek \ \ \
Derek went home and thought about Stiles. The prognosis was positive but that didn't change the fact that Stiles was still injured. He washed as best he could with the wet wipes Melissa had handed him as he was leaving the hospital, she said she'd help him have a proper shower when she came over the next day to check the bandages. She hadn't been very impressed with him having a go at showering solo but he didn't really care. He tried to tell her that he was fine on his own but she just gave him a look he'd become familiar with over the years that told him she would be there, he would do as he was told and things would be fine. He nodded and thanked her before leaving. In all honesty he was thankful for her offer, he'd managed okay yesterday but he did need help afterwards. The whole experience that left him aching and drained and he hadn't been looking forward to a repeat.
That night as Derek was sleeping he had the first of the dreams. After that he had them every time he fell asleep. They were always about Stiles. Stiles might have received some of his hearing back or he might be deaf. Derek and Stiles might be together or Stiles was with someone else with Derek forced to watch them while he remained alone. They were always different. Sometimes they were so hopeful he never wanted to wake up.
He knew why he was having them; he wanted what he had that afternoon again. He told himself he'd done the right thing even as a part of him would always wish he had told Stiles the truth and kissed him. He could not change the past and he would not force something on Stiles which he might not want any more when he had time to really think about it.
The dreams didn't stop.