Stiles entered the loft looking a little down, and Derek couldn't help noticing. They all couldn't help noticing actually. Cora was the first to step close and give him a hug.

"What's wrong?" she asked gently.

"Nothing," Stiles whispered.

Boyd and Isaac moved closer too. Derek just gave Stiles a knowing stare.

"You should probably tell them what's wrong," Derek suggested. "We can all smell the anxiety on you."

"Why would anything be wrong?" Stiles asked, tone a little bitter. "I know you must be used to seeing people die. Its like nothing to you. I'm glad we saved those kids, but what about the ones we didn't save? Nothing will ever bring my friend Heather back, nothing... "

Stiles felt a tear slide down his face. Was it okay for werewolves to cry? Cora squeezed him a little tighter. Isaac stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Can I please have some space!?"

Isaac moved his hand immediately. Cora stepped back. Stiles got that this was probably another pack thing.

"Look I'm sorry," he apologized. "I appreciate the support, I really do. I just can't stop thinking about the fact that it could have been me."

Stiles wrapped his arms around himself defensively.

"I haven't slept well," he went on, eyes wide and nervous. "I've had nightmares. All I could keep thinking is I'm a virgin, and I'm going to die."

Derek was looking at him with a deep frown on his face.

"Its over Stiles," the older man spoke. "Gerard's dead. I don't want you to blame yourself alright? You did everything you could."

Stiles stepped toward Derek, tears sliding down his face.

"Sometimes everything isn't enough is it Derek? Gods, is it okay for werewolves to cry?"

Derek moved towards him, placing a hand on his shoulder. Stiles looked up at him with sad eyes, face crumpled with agony and stained with tears.

"Of course its alright Stiles," Derek whispered.

Stiles sobbed a little and threw his arms around Derek. Derek couldn't stop the flutter of his heart as he slowly hugged Stiles back, arms slipping around him.

"You make it all seem alright," Stiles said gently into his ear. "When you hold me like this, I can't be afraid, because I know you're strong. You make me feel safe."

Derek couldn't stop the rush of emotions the words incited in him. He wanted to make Stiles feel safe, to protect him. He inhaled, getting some of his beta's scent, and that only maddened the emotions.

What he was feeling for Stiles now was something he hadn't felt for another person in a long time, and somehow it was alright. It had never felt more right.

Stiles finally pulled away from their embrace, giving Derek a small smile.

"Thanks Derek. I'm not so upset anymore."

Derek didn't know why, but he felt his lips twitch before curving up into a smile. Stiles was a little surprised by it, but he was glad to see Derek smiling. If the rest of the pack was surprised they didn't voice it.

Cora was smiling a little herself. She probably got it better than any of them.

"I have to go home," Stiles said. "My dad wants me home tonight. He texted me earlier. He'll probably want to talk to me too. I think he'll be alright though."

"Are you gonna tell him?" Derek asked with a meaningful look.

"No, not yet. I'm not sure how he'd take that one. Hi dad, did you know I turn into this bloodthirsty monster on full moon?"

Derek snorted. Stiles grinned a little. He gave Cora, Isaac, and Boyd a wave.

"See ya."

"Training 11:30 sharp tomorrow," Derek told him.

Stiles nodded before turning and walking out of the loft. Derek kept his eyes on the door even after Stiles was gone. He was feeling things he couldn't explain. He hadn't even felt this for Kate. Kate had just been a teenage, hormone-driven crush.

Derek felt a rush into his stomach as he thought it. Was this love? He couldn't be feeling love for Stiles Stilinski, no way. Yet that's the only name Derek knew to give these feelings.

ooOoo

Author's Note: Thank you for being patient. I have more to do these days, and I'm slacking off a bit on writing. Reviews are always appreciated my lovelies, and I will try to get that next chapter out ASAP.

I hope you enjoyed the feels in this chapter. ^_^