It had been a little over a year and a half since Stiles had moved in with Derek and officially become pack. Things had changed a lot since then and half the time Stiles felt like he was barely keeping up. Derek had gotten a job with a construction company, a career path that came in handy when they decided to renovate the Hale house, and Stiles had enrolled in the police academy, which made his father both proud and extremely uneasy.
After the first few months of Stiles sneaking into Derek's room and curling up with him on the bed for the night, they'd decided to just share the room. They'd gotten a bigger bed for the spare room which had almost immediately become Isaac's. He'd only been a little surprised when he'd caught Stiles putting his freshly laundered clothes into the dresser like they belonged there. Most nights Erica ended up sleeping snugly beside him although she and Boyd still maintained their own apartments. Boyd rarely slept over, crashing on the couch when he did. The whole pack spent a majority of their free time at the house, even Scott and Allison who had been reluctant at first. It was cramped, but somehow the feeling of pack made it workable and they didn't get on each other's nerves any more than they would have anyway.
Scott and Allison had been living together since they'd become independent adults so no one was really surprised when one day they announced their plan to get married. That didn't stop Derek from throwing a small fit which Stiles was more than happy to calm him out of. The impending permanence of their union was nerve wracking for the whole pack but it seemed to settle the Argents' bloodlust a bit. Stiles hadn't had to remove any arrows or rush a werewolf to Dr. Deaton for nearly nine months. Today was the big day and the boys were all in the master bedroom getting dressed while Erica prepped herself in Isaac's room. They'd meet the happy couple at the church.
"This is a bad idea," Derek said shortly as he paced around the room. Stiles was busy adjusting Isaac's tie.
"It'll be fine," Stiles replied. He gave Isaac an appraising look and nodded with satisfaction. "What could go wrong?" he asked, turning toward Derek. The alpha gave him a wildly incredulous look.
"What could go wrong? The Argents could try to kill us Stiles!" Derek spat. Stiles noticed how Isaac and Boyd both seemed to tense at the words.
"He's right you know," Isaac said, trying to restrain the edge of panic in his voice.
"No, he's not. The Argents may be horrible people who have been needlessly hostile and extremely violent toward this pack over the years…" Stiles lost his momentum a bit at the looks on the three werewolves' faces. "But! It's Allison's wedding! Even they wouldn't ruin their daughter's wedding," he finished enthusiastically.
"Her wedding to a werewolf," Boyd supplied. Derek shot Stiles a look that said 'exactly'. Stiles sighed. He stepped firmly up to Derek and ran his hands soothingly down the older man's lapels.
"Look, I know the situation isn't ideal but we're going to go, and we're going to smile, and we're going to play nice with any and all Argents there. They've backed off a lot since this whole wedding thing started and they're not going to lose their shit today. If there is one thing I know about Chris Argent it's that he loves Allison. Everything will be fine." Stiles held Derek's gaze steadily. Derek exhaled deeply and kissed Stiles warmly.
"Let's go," he said, with only the slightest hint of apprehension.
They took Boyd's SUV to the church; it had more or less become the official pack car. The church wasn't large but it had a classic style and was plenty roomy enough for the number of people attending, provided the Argents and the pack didn't go to war.
"Remember," Stiles said, clasping Derek's shoulder as he moved to exit the vehicle, "No growling, no baring fangs, no glowing eyes, and no subtle threats!" Derek rolled his eyes and pulled out of Stiles' grip. "And no overt threats either!" he called after Derek as he waited for Isaac or Erica to let him out.
The five of them headed into the chapel and the werewolves stopped short at the sight of Chris Argent standing in front of the small stage. Stiles glanced between the hunter and Derek before swallowing hard and pulling a smile. He approached Chris like he would any of his friends' parents, as if there wasn't a history of threats and violence between them. He shook the man's hand warmly.
"Mr. Argent, good to see you. Great day for a wedding, huh?" Chris shook his hand and nodded, he'd always been pretty good at this game. Stiles looked around a bit as the hunter released his hand.
"Where's Mrs. Argent? Helping Allison get ready?" There was a flash of sorrow in Chris's eyes before he glanced away that took Stiles by surprise, he'd never seen anything but malice in the man's expression.
"Victoria's not coming," he said quietly. Stiles tensed. He knew the Argents were less thrilled about this than even Derek but he'd never suspected Allison's mother would refuse to attend. He thought about how much her absence must be hurting Allison and how profound her father's presence was in contrast. On impulse he wrapped his arms around Chris in a comforting embrace. He stepped back quickly when he heard a low growl from Derek. Well, there went rule number one. Chris nodded at him appreciatively before settling himself in the front pew. Stiles put his hands on Derek's shoulder and guided him to sit in the pew on the other side of the isle. Derek put up no resistance, just stared at him intensely.
"You four get comfy here while I go find Scott," Stiles said. Derek grabbed his wrist as he turned to go and pulled him onto his lap. He felt strong arms wrap around him and Derek's hot breath on his neck.
"Don't do that again," he warned, nipping at Stiles' neck before releasing him. Stiles adjusted his suit huffily and left without a word.
Scott was looking panicked with glowing golden eyes when Stiles slipped into the room. Mrs. McCall was standing a bit distant from him, her arms crossed defensively. She hadn't taken it as well as the Sheriff when she'd found out about Scott, but she was coping.
"Everything okay in here?" Stiles asked lightly. Mrs. McCall sort of rolled her eyes and jerked her head toward her son.
"No it's not okay! Victoria isn't coming, and Allison is already upset, and everything's going to go wrong, and I don't even know how to tie a bowtie!" Scott complained. Stiles nodded, practically leaping over to him. He took the ends of the bowtie and began arranging them.
"Maybe should have thought of that before opting for one but hey, Isaac can't even handle a normal tie properly so you're ahead of the game." He pulled the ends tight, leaving a neat little bow. He smacked Scott's chest lightly with the back of his hand. "There, see! There's a reason you keep me around." It didn't seem to calm Scott at all.
"Look, not everything is going to go wrong. Some things will, I won't lie. This is a wedding, things happen. But it will mostly just be little things like stepping on your mom's feet when you dance with her and spilling champagne on your crotch. And okay, the Argents have reached a new level of douchbaggery, but Chris is here! A fact for which I am begrudgingly starting to admire him, I might add."
"What about the pack?" Scott shouted.
"The pack is under strict orders to behave, I've got you covered."
"And Derek?"
"Oh don't worry about Derek. Derek is going to be on his best behavior, because if he isn't I won't let him tear off this beautiful suit and do horrible naughty things to me all night, and trust me he w…"
"Stiles stop!" Stiles gave him a sly grin.
"You see why over sharing is bad? Keep that in mind after the honeymoon. Now show me your beautiful brown eyes," he said, pulling a contacts container from his pocket.
"What are those for?" Scott asked warily.
"These babies are special lenses that will keep your eyes from flaring. Dr. Deaton showed me how to get them and I bought enough for the pack."
"Dude that's awesome! But we didn't get a photographer," Scott sulked.
"I hired Matt behind your back." Scott beamed and pulled him into a crushing hug. Afterwards it was Mrs. McCall's turn to hug him.
"You're a good friend Stiles," she said motherly.
The ceremony went off more or less smoothly. Chris hesitated a moment when the officiant asked 'who gives this woman to be wed' but managed to bite out his line before the pause became too awkward. Stiles and Lydia both handed the rings over without dropping them. The vows were as smooth as words can be when choked out between sappy love tears. They were pronounced man and wife and it was time for the reception.
Everyone migrated to a medium sized room with a small dance floor and a handful of tables. There really weren't many guests and only a few that had no idea about werewolves. Stiles was looking forward to this because eating, talking, and dancing were three of his favorite things. Eating came first with finger sandwiches, cheeses, vegetables, and wedding cake. Stiles grabbed a slice for him and a slice for Derek; he was overjoyed when Derek slid the second piece back at him.
Next came the toasts. As the best man Stiles was up first. He took the microphone, fumbling and almost dropping it before clearing his throat and addressing the room,
"I've known Scott basically all our lives, we've always been best friends, partners in crime, and a major nuisance to everyone around us." He paused, shooting Derek a look, "We've been with each other through skinned knees, loss, adventure, and a few major identity crises," he shared a knowing look with most of the room. "Everyone knows that I had my first crush pretty young and I held on to it for dear life, but not Scott. Scott would always listen to me going on and on about this amazing girl," he glanced at Lydia, "and just shake his head and tell me I was crazy. And I would say, 'you wait man, someday you'll fall in love with the most wonderful girl and you'll get it'. And that's exactly what happened.
"When Allison moved to Beacon Hills Scott was a goner. Suddenly he was the guy going on and on and on and on and on about the girl and I was the one shaking my head and calling him crazy. And I still think he's crazy, but only about her. I think everyone here knows things weren't always smooth between them. They were like Romeo and Juliet only, hey, they're still alive! And now they're getting married and really starting their lives together. That's awesome man," he said to Scott. "So to Scott and Allison, may you never have business with an apothecary and may you continue to have the most disgustingly loving marriage as you had relationship before it." Stiles raised his glass and the room echoed the action joyfully. Lydia took the mic. with a dainty smile. She turned sharply toward the room causing her hair to swing around her shoulders attractively.
"When I first met Scott he was a total loser," Lydia said. She pursed her lips and gave Scott a once over. "And not much has changed. But nobody can be a loser all the time I guess, because he won Allison's heart right away. I don't really get it, but I'm glad you're happy. Congratulations." She tipped her glass up ever so slightly, elegant as always, and took a long sip. Stiles took the microphone from her again and scurried over to the table where Mrs. McCall was seated. He handed her the mic. and she took it with a small smile before standing. Stiles took his seat quickly.
"Scott, I'm so proud of you. I know…" her voice broke and tears welled up rapidly in her eyes. She shook her head and made a valiant attempt to recover. "I'm sorry, I'm just so… so hap… happy…" Derek stood from beside Stiles and moved to put a firm and comforting hand on her back. He eased her gently back into her seat and whispered something in here ear. She nodded through her tears and he took the microphone, turning to Scott and Allison.
"Scott was one of the first people I met when I came back to Beacon Hills. He's like a brother to me, you know, we don't always get along but we can count on each other. Scott reminded me a lot of myself at that age, making all the same mistakes and struggling with a lot of the same problems. And he never once listened to anything I told him. But standing here today I understand why. You two belong together. So to the stupid kid that grew up to be a good man, may you always find happiness regardless of who tries to stop you." There was a small moment of tension as Allison's father stood and held out a hand for the microphone. Derek gave a small nod and handed it over wordlessly before returning to his seat. Chris turned to address his daughter.
"Allison sweetie, I know your mom and I haven't always been understanding about your relationship with Scott. And I'm sorry. I can see how happy you are today and I would never want to destroy that happiness. When you love someone that much nothing else matters. Live a long and beautiful life." He barely tipped his glass at her before drinking deeply. She smiled at him gratefully with tears in her eyes and tipped her glass in return before taking a sip.
Scott didn't spill his champagne but he did step on both Allison and his mother's toes when they had their official dances. Allison was positively glowing when she danced with her father and Stiles urged Matt to take plenty of pictures, uncertain of what might happen between them later. When all the official dancing was over they opened up the floor for everyone.
"Shall we?" Stiles asked, standing and offering a hand to Derek.
"No," Derek answered flatly.
"What?" Stiles asked in disbelief.
"I'm not dancing."
"Oh come on," Stiles pleaded. Derek leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms, shooting Stiles a clear look of refusal.
"Fine," Stiles growled. "Isaac?" Isaac looked horrified at the idea but Stiles grabbed his hand and dragged him to the dance floor. It was party music, not a slow dance, but Isaac still seemed uncomfortable until Erica joined them. Stiles danced his way through most of the guests, occasionally glancing at Derek who always shook his head. When he decided to break for water he plopped into a chair between his father and Dr. Deaton. Chris Argent was seated beside the Sheriff.
"What, you guys too manly to dance?" Stiles asked conversationally as he gulped down a glass of water.
"I'm afraid I have two left feet," Dr. Deaton replied. "Although I might ask Melissa for a dance if they play something slower."
"You know me son, I only dance with the right partner," Sheriff Stilinski said with a sigh. Stiles nodded and looked at Chris expectantly. The hunter gave him a dry smile.
"This isn't really my kind of crowd," he said after a moment.
"Might want to get used to it, we're family now," Stiles said. He set down the glass and stood. He'd only taken a few steps when an arm landed across his back and a hand gripped his shoulder tightly.
"About that," Chris Argent said, tilting his head close conspiratorially. Stiles caught sight of Derek rising sharply and multiple pairs of glowing eyes. Another rule down the drain. Stiles made a vague wave signaling them to stand down.
"Geez, do you want to ruin everything?" Stiles accused.
"I don't trust Scott," Argent said, ignoring Stiles' comment. "I don't trust Derek. I don't trust any of those animals you call a pack. But you're human so I'm willing to trust you."
"How very progressive and not at all unjustly prejudiced of you," Stiles said sarcastically.
"Take care of my daughter. She can handle herself pretty well, but you know better than anyone the dangers of running with wolves, so keep her safe." Stiles took a deep breath.
"I take care of everyone in my pack. Allison is safe with Scott. She's safe with Derek. She's safe with me. That's one thing you never need to worry about," he said firmly. Chris pat him on the shoulder and released him, returning to the table where Sheriff Stilinski was eyeing him skeptically. Stiles let out a deep breath. He gave Derek a winning smile and gestured to the dance floor. Derek shook his head and Stiles found someone else to join him.
When they announced the next song would be slow Stiles returned to the table. He'd been waiting for this and he knew he could win.
"Dance with me," he asked sweetly.
"I said no," Derek replied.
"You said no fifty pop songs ago. Say yes now. Romantic music, sexy tuxedos, holding me close, you know you want to."
"No," Derek repeated.
"Fine, don't dance with me. I'll ask Lydia," Stiles said coolly, turning to scan the room. He grinned when he heard Derek let out an annoyed huff.
"Fine," Derek growled. They pulled onto the floor just as the song started. Stiles caught Matt's attention on the sly. He'd promised an extra hundred dollars if Matt got some good shots of him and Derek and now was the perfect moment. Derek was a good dancer, moving easily to the music while keeping his attention focused on Stiles.
"My parents were married here," Derek said quietly into Stiles' ear as they swayed together.
"Mine too," Stiles replied. "I used to think I'd get married here too." He felt Derek tense ever so slightly without breaking their rhythm. Stiles wasn't sure if it was at the mention of getting married or something else.
"Not anymore?"
"No," Stiles answered, breath hitching as his throat tightened unpleasantly. "It was before… If I stood up there, saying the vows that she… I'd just… I wouldn't be able to…" Derek pulled him closer, kissed his temple, and rubbed soothing circles on his back.
"I understand," he whispered. Stiles took several calming breaths and managed to regain control.
"Just watching Scott and Allison was so hard. I don't want to do this, I just want to… to sign the papers and be together." Stiles' pulse quickened, they'd never talked about this. "When the time comes," he added hastily.
"When the time comes," Derek repeated quietly, Stiles couldn't quite read the inflection in his voice. The song ended and another upbeat tune began, taking them by surprise. "I'm going to go talk to Scott," Derek said, pulling away. Stiles let him go reluctantly and decided to sit for a while. He watched Derek catch Scott and Allison and chat with them briefly. Then Derek came back to the table and they sat close together, cuddling and watching people dance.
After a while things started to wind down. They called all the unmarried women together to catch the bouquet. Erica won which wasn't surprising since she was the only werewolf in the small group. Then the men were up for the garter toss. Stiles eyed Derek briefly before getting up. He wasn't about to try convincing the man to play, he figured it was a lost cause. Allison didn't seem to agree, she made a big show of dragging Derek and a few other skittish gentlemen to the dance floor with the rest. Stiles was grateful to see she'd left his dad alone. He was mildly surprised when Derek caught the garter, mostly because he didn't' expect him to try. The werewolf took a picture holding it up with Scott and then stuffed it into Stiles' pants pocket.
"All right, so, thank you all for coming and celebrating with us, and thank you for all the presents," Scott said after the DJ had played the last song. Allison smacked him playfully. "There's just one last thing before everyone goes home. So, uh, Derek?" Stiles whipped his head around to look at the alpha as Derek stood and moved to take the mic.
"Thank you Scott, Allison. I, uh, I've been trying for a while now to find the best time for this," Derek cleared his throat nervously, "Having everyone we care about here with us, it feels like the right time. And the bride and groom were gracious enough to agree. Stiles," Derek said coming to kneel in front of him. "Will you marry me?" The room was perfectly still while Stiles tried to remember how breathing worked. There was a long silence in which Derek just looked at him and he looked back at Derek. Then Erica cuffed Stiles on the back of the head, jump starting his brain.
"Yeah, yes! Hell yes!" he shouted, throwing his arms around Derek's neck and knocking him off balance so that they both tumbled sideways. There was a mix of applause and laughter around them and people began saying farewells and heading out. Derek smiled brightly at Stiles and kissed him. Then he pulled a small velvet box from his jacket pocket and offered it to Stiles. Stiles pulled his arms from around Derek and sat up. He took the box and opened it as Derek sat up as well.
"I wasn't sure about an engagement ring but I got these," Derek said, a question in his tone. Inside the box were two matching black wedding bands each inlaid with a strip of what Stiles recognized as moonstone. For the second time that day Stiles felt the tears coming. He buried his face in Derek's shoulder.
"They're perfect," came his muffled voice as Derek pulled him closer.
Author's Notes:
I just want to say a quick thank you to all of you reading this and adding it to your favorites and follows and commenting. You are all awesome.
