The Feeling That I'm Under

by wearing-tearing

[TFTIU #1] Stiles is a paramedic and Derek gets into a bike accident. It's kind of love at first sight.

12. Chapter 12

a/n: see the ends notes for the complete costumes list + who suggested what 3

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Stiles isn't nervous.

Really, he isn't.

He's just a bit preoccupied.

Because even though he and Derek have known each other for a little over six months now, their circle of friends hasn't really mixed.

Sure, Stiles knows Derek's friends and sisters and Derek knows Stiles' friends, but they haven't all hung out together or anything like that.

Hell, they don't even really know each other, with the exception of Scott and Isaac.

And Danny knowing Boyd, Laura, and Mrs. Hale, but Stiles doesn't really count that one, considering they were working and Boyd had a head injury.

So yeah, none of them really know each other, but that's all coming to a head tonight.

You know, since they're all going to be at Triskele's Halloween Opening Party.

And the thing is, Stiles knows he has the best friends he could possibly hope for.

He also knows that the same can be said about Derek's friends and family.

What he doesn't know is if his friends and Derek's friends will agree on that particular subject.

He doesn't know if they will like each other.

Not that their friends disliking one another will interfere with his feelings for Derek, but it'll definitely cause a strain on their relationship if the people they love most can't get along or can't stand to be around each other.

And Stiles doesn't want that.

He really fucking doesn't.

There's also the matter of Stiles' dad and having no idea if he's going to show up with Mrs. McCall or not.

If he does, Stiles understands it'll be to support Mrs. Hale, and not because he's done waiting to finally meet Derek and is taking matters into his own hands.

Sure, Stiles' dad and Derek will end up being introduced to each other if he comes to the party, there's no avoiding it, but the Sheriff won't make the situation into anything more than what it is.

And by that he means someone opening a new business in town and getting support and recognition for her hard work from people.

At least Stiles hopes so.

For everyone's sake.

Especially Derek's.

So yeah, Stiles is a little worried.

But he's also hoping for the best, that everything will work out, and that nothing too horrible will happen to ruin the opening for Derek's mom and his family.

Not after all the hard work they put into it.

Well, aside from Jackson getting too drunk and maybe doing something embarrassing. That can totally happen. Really. No problems or complaints whatsoever.

At least that's what Stiles is telling himself as he drives over, chewing on his bottom lip.

He and Derek are going to meet at the bar, with Derek having to help his mother make sure everything's set and ready to go before the doors open, and Stiles is supposed to text him when he's close by.

Neither of them know what kind of costume the other will be wearing, and Stiles can't help but wonder what Derek's reaction will be when he sees him.

He hopes it'll involve lots of groping and even more kissing and maybe a little bit of touching below the belt.

Or just lots of Derek's entire face turning red and a little of him stumbling with his words because he doesn't know what to say and even more him giving up or trying to communicate at all and just giving Stiles one of those looks that makes Stiles tingle with warmth from the tips of his toes to the roots of his hair.

Stiles is not picky.

And he also can't help but let his mind go crazy with possibilities regarding what Derek will be dressed up as.

He almost ran two red lights on his way there, first too busy with images of how good Derek's ass would look if he went as a baseball player and wore those tight pants, and then of how great Derek's entire body would look if he got his hands on a Captain America jumpsuit.

So Stiles really can't wait to see him, telling him as much when he sends him a quick text at a stoplight letting Derek know he'll be at the bar in a few minutes.

Derek must have his phone in hand, because only a few seconds later Stiles' phone beeps with a new message.

From: Derek

Park by my bike. I'll meet you in the parking lot.

Stiles doesn't think anything about the specific parking instructions until he gets to the bar and takes in the fucking amount of people standing out front.

If he had to take a guess he'd say that every single person who's over legal drinking age and lives in Beacon Hills or somewhere close is present, all in Halloween costumes.

Some more than others, Stiles notices, as a girl with angel wings and something Stiles is pretty sure is actually lingerie and not a shirt walks by his car.

And the thing about having so many people show up is that Stiles can't really see any available parking spaces.

Besides the one by a sleek black bike.

That belongs to Derek.

And that makes Stiles' heart soften as he realizes his boyfriend made sure he'd have somewhere to leave his Jeep.

Stiles makes a mental note to give him extra kisses for that one as he parks, stopping to glance at himself in the rearview mirror and check if his makeup still stands before climbing out of the car.

He can't see Derek anywhere, so he settles for leaning against the driver's door and fishing his phone out of his pocket, sending a mass text to his friends and warning them about the parking situation and suggesting that maybe they should leave their cars a few streets down.

The last thing he wants is have them complain about-

"Stiles?"

Stiles' head snaps up.

And it's no one's business but his own if, when he looks up, his lips part and his mouth dries and his heart speeds up.

Along with his dick twitching.

In his very tight pants.

Because Derek's standing right in front of him.

One thing Stiles learned about himself very early on is that he doesn't really find the whole people in uniform thing very hot.

He supposes that has to do with his dad being a cop, Mrs. McCall being a nurse, Scott and Jackson being firefighters, Allison and Lydia being doctors, him and Danny being EMTs, and all of them having to wear uniforms for work.

So he really doesn't know what to do with himself as he stares at Derek.

Who's wearing pinstripe black chef pants.

And a traditional black chef coat with the sleeves folded once.

And looking really fucking hot.

"Hey," Stiles says, swallowing hard. "You look- You look amazing."

Derek doesn't say thank you.

He also doesn't return the compliment.

In fact, he doesn't say anything at all.

He just stares.

At Stiles.

Who looks from Derek to himself and back again and starts thinking that maybe Derek doesn't like his costume as much as Stiles thought he would.

But then Derek takes a step closer.

And he keeps walking until he's right up into Stiles' personal space, bringing a hand up so he can cup Stiles' jaw and trace the black whiskers drawn on Stiles' face with his thumb.

Derek's eyes dance from the black bunny ears perched on the top of Stiles' head to the tight black shirt stretched across his chest, the black leather jacket, down to Stiles' fingerless leather gloves, his even tighter leather pants, the biker boots.

He shakes his head.

And smiles.

It's small at first, just a minute twitch of lips Stiles might have missed if he didn't have his eyes glued to Derek's face.

But it widens.

Little by little.

Like Derek's trying to keep himself from grinning but is failing spectacularly at it.

Not that he looks like he minds, as his eyes crinkle in the corners and his teeth peek out from behind his lips.

"So," Stiles says quietly, looking at him from under his lashes. "What do you think?"

"I think," Derek starts, eyes zeroing on Stiles' mouth. "I think I need to do something first."

Derek's still smiling when he kisses him, which makes Stiles grin in return, their teeth clinking together before they pull back and try again.

Not that it works much better the second time around, but Stiles doesn't care.

Not when Derek breaks the kiss and hums low in his throat, their foreheads pressed together, their breaths mingling as they breathe.

And definitely not when he mutters, "I can't believe you dressed up as your plush bunny toy."

Stiles doesn't really believe it either, if he's being honest.

But when he took one look at Bunny Yummy wearing biker gear and sitting on his nightstand, it felt like he had the answer to all of his costume problems.

Stiles leans back a little, just enough so he can stare at Derek's face without going crosseyed, and asks, "But do you like it?"

And then it happens.

Derek blushes.

From the tips of his ears to his cheeks and down his neck.

Stiles doesn't even wait for an answer before he's kissing him again.

They take about another ten minutes to disentangle themselves from each other and walk towards the bar, Derek with an arm thrown over Stiles' shoulders and Stiles with one wrapped around Derek's waist.

Stiles has to say it feels pretty fucking great to head straight to the door and have the bouncer just tilt his head in acknowledgement at them before letting them in, the people waiting in line glaring holes into their backs.

And as Stiles lets his eyes sweep over the bar, he thinks he shouldn't be as surprised as he is.

And by that he means surprised at the route the Hales took in decorating the space.

He honestly should have expected something like this to happen when he texted Derek about the rumors going around town that Triskele was either a torture chamber or, well, a sexy torture chamber.

Because that's exactly what this place looks like, with chains hanging from the walls and ceilings with open cuffs attached to the end of them, the blood splatters and stains on the walls and floor, the tables covered with plastic transparent sheets, and the low lights illuminating everything with an eerie yellow glow.

Oh, and also because of the guy walking around in a black rubber jumpsuit, mask and all.

"Please tell me that's no one we know," Stiles says, closing his eyes. "This night is not supposed to traumatize me that way."

Derek snorts, "I'm sure that whatever our friends have in store for us won't include alluding things about their own sex lives."

Stiles groans, dropping his head on Derek's shoulder.

"That's because they'll be too busy talking about ours, isn't it?"

Stiles feels Derek's body tensing against his, and when he lifts his head up to look at him is to see Derek's happy and relaxed expression dimmed a little.

Stiles remembers Derek told him he didn't want them to take their relationship to the next level while Stiles didn't know everything about Kate, but aside from having that first conversation about taking things slow, they haven't really talked about sex now that things changed between them.

Which is something Stiles had no idea was in Derek's mind, something he worried about, assuming they'd just take a while to feel comfortable around each other again before doing anything.

One would think Stiles would have learned not to assume anything by now.

And figures they'd be having this conversation now, at Derek's mother's bar, where all of their friends will be, or already are, at.

Stiles uses his hold on Derek's waist to drag him to an empty corner at the bar, not that the place is that crowded just yet, so they can speak without having to yell to be overheard over the music playing in the background.

Derek goes without protest, body still stiff, but Stiles thinks it's a good sign he didn't try to put any distance between them.

"Okay," Stiles says once they're away from prying ears. "Talk to me."

Derek's jaw works as he pointedly stares at floor, shifting in place as he thinks about how he's going to tell Stiles whatever it is that's going through his head.

Stiles waits, used to giving Derek time, and is rewarded by Derek taking a deep breath and letting it out, body loosening a bit as he swallows and looks up at Stiles.

Or at the chain hanging just behind Stiles' left ear.

"I don't-," Derek starts, mouth opening and closing a few times before he keeps going. "We never- You know about how it was. With her. And that I still- I feel- It's not that I don't want to do anything or that I'm not attracted to you, because I do and I am. I just need some time to-," and Derek looks at him straight in the face. "I need some time to get to a place where I know I'll enjoy it. Where I know I won't overthink it or worry about it or treat it like it's some sort of test."

Stiles' lips curl up at their own accord, eyes softening at as stares right back at Derek.

Because this means a lot, having Derek tell him he's not ready for something instead of doing it just because he thinks it's what Stiles wants or expects of him.

The familiar anger also makes itself known, Stiles wishing once more he could get his hands on Kate and wring her fucking neck for making Derek feel like this.

"What I said on our first date about doing this as fast or as slow as you'd like still stands," Stiles tells him, both hands resting on Derek's hip. "You know I like spending time with you, orgasms included or not."

Nevermind the only orgasms Stiles had since he met Derek were by his own hand.

"Classy," Derek mumbles under his breath, the tips of his ears reddening when Stiles just grins at him.

"And I appreciate you talking to me about it," Stiles lowers his voice, squeezing Derek's hip. "I don't want there to be any misunderstandings between us."

They've had enough of those, in Stiles' opinion.

And it's good to know that communication problems are something they won't have anymore.

Or that at least that they're getting better at handling them, talking to each other and listening when the other has something to say.

Derek nods, leaning in close.

"I'm working on it."

And Stiles knows Derek means more than just working on speaking his mind, that working on it extends to all of his issues brought on by his involvement with Kate.

But he's not the only person in this relationship, not the only one who needs to make an effort.

"We're both working on it," Stiles whispers, pressing his lips against Derek's.

The kiss is slow at first, Derek's hands framing Stiles' face and nails scratching lightly at the back of his neck; and then Stiles gets his arm around Derek's waist and pulls him flush against his body, teeth nipping at Derek's bottom lip as he waits for Derek to open up for him.

Which Derek does, moaning softly at the first brush of Stiles' tongue against his and making Stiles a little weak in the knees as he swallows back the sound with his lips.

"If I knew you two would go to the first dark corner you saw and make out, I wouldn't have invited you."

Stiles doesn't startle.

He also doesn't let out a yelp.

And he definitely does not get his bunny ears tangled up in the chain hanging behind him.

No matter how much Laura laughs at him for it.

"You didn't invite us," Derek says, glaring at her.

Not that it works much, with her being Laura and Derek blushing as he does so.

"You two should still know better than to start sucking face before making the rounds and saying hi to everyone."

"Hi, Laura," both Derek and Stiles say at the same time, earning a smirk from her.

"Now that's better," Laura says, and turns her attention to Stiles, eyes sweeping up and down his body before they stop on Stiles' black bunny ears. "There's a cute and disgusting reason that I probably don't want to know for you to be dressed as a biker bunny, isn't there?"

It's Stiles' turn to blush, but he's glad when Laura just wrinkles her nose up at him and doesn't call him on it.

"At least he's not telling everyone he's dressed as Wonder Woman because that's the only costume who shows people how fucking wonderful he is," Derek snaps back at her.

And Stiles tries not to find Derek coming to his defense adorable.

He doesn't succeed.

"People should recognize my wonderfulness," Laura sniffs.

"I think you look beautiful," Stiles offers, because he does.

Laura looks amazing in her Wonder Woman costume, with the tight red bodice and golden belt accentuating her waist, the blue shorts with white stars showing off her thighs, the knee-high red with a white stripe boots, and her dark hair fanning over her shoulders and the golden crown in her head.

"Thank you," Laura smiles at him, genuinely pleased, before turning to Derek with narrowed eyes. "It's good to know at least someone appreciates me."

Derek rolls his eyes at her, and Stiles can see by the slight twitch of Laura's lips that she's not bothered by his behavior.

As far as Stiles can tell, this kind of think is common when dealing with these two.

"Do you know where everyone is?" Derek asks her, taking one of Stiles' hands in his and lacing their fingers together.

"Why? Want to get to them before I get a chance to tell them what you two were up to?" Laura wiggles her eyebrows at them. "Because I'm going to do that anyway."

Derek pinches the bridge of his nose and lets out an annoyed breath, while Stiles tries to cover his smile by pressing his face against Derek's shoulder.

"Laura," Derek says testily, to which his sisters just huffs.

"Cora and Boyd are managing the bar, which means Isaac and Erica are nearby, mom's walking around playing host, and Uncle Peter is probably off somewhere hitting on college kids who don't know any better."

Stiles raises his eyebrows at the last comment, stomach churning a little with nerves at knowing Derek's uncle is here and Stiles is going to meet him at some point.

He suddenly wishes his friends were already here, so that way he could be called an idiot for feeling anxious about this and told to get himself together and not to worry.

By the completely flat look Derek's aiming at Laura, he also doesn't appreciate the comment.

"We're gonna go now," Derek says, tugging at Stiles' hand.

Derek stops to give her a kiss on the cheek when they walk by, and Stiles doesn't miss the you look beautiful Derek mutters to her.

The look on Laura's face at that is pure smug, Stiles winking at her and getting a wave in return before he and Derek disappear into the crowd.

Stiles' phone buzzes in his pocket before they get to the bar, Stiles fishing it out and seeing he has a new text from Danny letting him know him and Ethan are already there.

Derek frowns at him in question, to which Stiles tells him what's going on.

"Tell them to meet us at the bar?"

Stiles nods, typing out a reply as they continue making their way past all the people standing around, drinking and talking.

Cora and Boyd are easy to spot, mostly because Stiles knows they're the ones behind the counter, serving people drinks and making sure everyone has what they want. He doesn't see Isaac anywhere, maybe because his costume gets in the way, but can see the top of Erica's head, the fact that she's sitting down making it hard for him to see what she's dressed up as.

That is until Boyd catches Derek's eye and tilts his chin up at him, Erica turning around to follow her boyfriend's gaze, only to promptly get up from her stool and wave a hand at them.

Stiles doesn't even try and pretend not to be impressed with her costume.

Which is why the first thing out of his mouth when they stop by the counter is, "I don't think I've ever seen a cat as gorgeous as you."

Erica grins at him, all sharp teeth and red lips, "You like?"

Stiles nods, taking in her skin tight black jumpsuit and the leather boots, her hands covered in black gloves and resting just above her utility belt, the eye mask covering half of her face and the cat ears perched on top of her head.

"Are you kidding me? You look perfect."

Erica beams, walking up to him and wrapping her arms around his shoulders, hugging him tight before letting go.

"I should, too. This Catwoman get up wasn't cheap."

"Good thing it was Peter who paid for it," Boyd pipes up, getting Stiles' attention.

Only to have him gasp.

And then have Derek's hand covering his mouth before he can say anything to Boyd.

"Whatever it is that you're thinking of saying or singing, don't," Derek says against his ear, voice low.

Stiles just widens his eyes at Derek, going back to stare at Boyd.

Who's in white basketball shorts and a white jersey.

A white jersey with the words TuneSquad written in front of it in blue.

Erica leans against Stiles' side, whispering, "He's watering the drinks of anyone who comes up and asks him if he's going to shake it, quake it, space kaboom tonight. So no matter how good you think your joke is, I wouldn't risk it."

Stiles presses his lips together before licking a stripe up Derek's palm, swallowing when Derek drops his hand.

"Boyd," Stiles starts, and at Boyd's blank look and jaw ticking he says, "I've heard some rumors about bat brownies."

Boyd's lips curl up in a faint smile, as if he's grateful for Stiles not commenting about the fact that he's dressed as Michael Jordan in Space Jam.

Stiles doesn't know why that is, because it's a fucking great costume as far as Stiles is concerned.

"I'll see what I can do," Boyd tells him, giving him a nod before going back to work.

"Erica," Stiles turns to her as Boyd goes to the other end of the bar. "Please tell me you'll make fun of him later."

Erica stares at him for a beat or two with a blank face before she smirks, reaching out a hand to pat Stiles in the cheek, "It's like you're in my head."

Derek shakes his head at both of them, "Boyd doesn't deserve this. He's a good person."

"Says the guy who told him to wave his hands in the air if he felt fine," Erica says, raising an eyebrow at him.

Derek blushes to the tips of his ears and down to his neck.

And Stiles bursts out laughing, shoulders shaking as he imagines Derek singing that to Boyd and the utterly unimpressed look Boyd must have given him.

His laugh gets cut off by someone calling his name, Stiles turning around to see Danny making his way to where they are, Ethan by his side.

Stiles nerves come back at full force, and he can feel Derek shifting against his side, leaning into him and rubbing his thumb over the back of Stiles' hand.

Because this is it.

This is where it starts, their friends meeting for the first time and getting to know each other.

"Hey, guys," Stiles says, giving Danny a quick hug and clapping Ethan on the shoulder.

Both Danny and Ethan shake Derek's other hand, Danny giving Derek an encouraging smile and telling him is good to see him again.

Stiles feels a sudden rush of affection towards Danny, knowing Danny's still a little bit wary of how things went down that time at dinner but trying to make Derek feel comfortable around him anyway.

Because he knows Stiles loves him and that Derek is important to him.

Derek gives him a somewhat awkward smile in return, but Stiles can tell he means it, with how he's the one who steps up and introduces Erica to them, saying, "And I apologize for any and all inappropriate comments she makes to either of you."

"Oh," Danny says, smiling widely at Erica before she can close the distance between them and throttle Derek. "Just like Stiles then."

Erica barks out a surprised laugh, Stiles gaping at Danny and clutching at his imaginary pearls, while Derek and Ethan shake their heads at the three of them.

"Stiles," Erica says, grinning as she leans against him. "I think I like your friends."

Stiles blinks at her, his heart stuttering in relief at having her say that.

He doesn't show it, though.

"You should," Stiles sniffs. "I have the best of friends."

Danny rolls his eyes at him, but still punches Stiles lightly in the shoulder in a silent thanks.

"And I can see you decided to make the dreams of old ladies come true," Stiles says, eyeing Danny's costume up and down.

"I figured it was too chilly to come as a hawaiian prince, so Prince Charming had to do," Danny says, gesturing at his clothes.

He's wearing a tight white tailcoat with gold fringed epaulettes, a red sash, a pair of very tight royal blue pants, and he looks dream worthy, if Stiles does say so himself.

"And with Ethan as your knight?" Stiles asks, eyeing Ethan's costume and smiling goofily at Danny when he nods.

Stiles can't help it.

It's too cute.

Even though Ethan's knight costume is on the sexier side, with his gray tunic having a hood and net sleeves.

Sleeves that do a great job in showing off his muscles.

Especially when he grabs his fake sword and points it at the chest of someone guy who stops by the bar and stands a little bit too close to Danny for his taste.

"God, you two are cute," Erica says, wrinkling her nose when the guy raises his hands in surrender and walks away, Ethan lowering his sword and kissing Danny on the cheek before turning back to them.

"Thank you," both Ethan and Danny say, beaming at her.

"Just don't make out in front of the bar," Boyd appears behind Erica, drinks in hand. "Royalty or not, I'll be forced to remove you," and with a look directed at Stiles and Derek he says, "And the same goes for you two."

Stiles makes a face at Boyd while Derek just stares at him with a look on his face that screams betrayal, the tips of his ears turning red again.

Boyd ignores them in favor of handing Danny and Ethan drinks before extending a hand, "I'm Boyd."

To which Erica pipes up, "And he's mine," a smug smile on her face.

Ethan nods approvingly at Erica, while Danny just flashes his dimples at Boyd, tells him he likes his costume, and asks him how he's doing.

Boyd seems a bit surprised at having Danny remember how they met, but soon his look transforms into one of happiness as he tells Danny he's doing great.

You know, as happy as Boyd ever appears to be at someone who's not Erica.

Conversation flows easily after that, with Erica asking Danny and Ethan about their lives, offering up information about hers, and all of them trading stories about Derek and Stiles and what life was like before they met.

Stiles doesn't even think to try and protest about Danny telling Erica about all the pranks he pulled when they were in training together, mostly because Erica is laughing as Danny does so, face bright and flushed, while Boyd's lips tilt up in a smirk in a way that would make Stiles uneasy if he wasn't feeling so fucking great about all of this.

And him not protesting also has nothing to do with Erica telling them about Derek and Boyd's adventures in cooking as soon as Boyd gets called to serve more drinks.

Really.

It doesn't.

Seeing Erica, Boyd, Danny, and Ethan get along so well leaves Stiles with a warm feeling in his chest as he drops Derek's hand in favor of snuggling up against Derek's side, knowing that it will help a lot when his other friends get here to see that Danny has already passed judgement and decided Derek's friends are good people.

Especially when his phone buzzes with an incoming message from Lydia, telling him she's coming with Jackson and that they're about five minutes away.

Derek looks down at him in silent question when he sees Stiles with his phone in hand, to which Stiles replies, "Jackson and Lydia will be here in a few," and then adds, "And Erica will have someone to trade inappropriate jokes with."

Derek blinks at him a couple of times before muttering, "Fuck."

Stiles nods.

"We didn't think this through, did we?"

Derek shakes his head before pressing his lips together and staring at Stiles, "We can always go home and tell them we couldn't find them in the crowd."

"If you do, I'll tell mom."

Stiles wonders if it's a Hale trait to sneak up on people and scare them to death, and he even goes as far as opening his mouth to ask Derek about it.

Only to snap it back shut as he sees Cora and Isaac behind the bar.

Stiles must stare at them for a little too long, snapping out of it when Danny extends a hand over the counter and introduces himself.

"Sorry for Stiles' lack of manners," Danny says with a smile. "I'm Danny, his partner. And this is my boyfriend, Ethan."

Both Isaac and Cora say their hellos, while Stiles just continues to stare.

Until Cora raises an eyebrow at him and says, "I'm going to punch you in the face."

In his defense, though, it's not every Halloween party he sees someone dressed as they are.

Stiles shakes his head at her, opening and closing his mouth a few times before saying, "I'm sorry, but- I don't- You- And-," he shakes his head again, licking his lips before gesturing at them, "This is the best couples costume ever."

And it fucking is, okay.

All he can think of as he stares at Cora dressed in tunic that looks like a bread slice with jelly smeared on it and Isaac also dressed in a bread-like tunic slice but with peanut butter spread over it is that this is the single best thing he's ever witnessed in his life.

Because together they make a PB&J sandwich and that is so perfect Stiles thinks his eyes might be watering a little.

And the smile that breaks across Isaac's face at that makes him look about five years old, especially with the way he puffs out his chest, like having someone say that to him is the best thing he's heard all day.

He realizes it probably is when Cora directs a narrowed glance at both Erica and Derek and says, "It's good to know at least someone appreciates it."

Stiles startles a little at how she sounds exactly like Laura, albeit a grumpier version.

"And it's good to know how lame Stiles is," Erica rolls her eyes at Cora, turning to Derek. "Seriously, Derek. If your boyfriend thinks that," she points to Cora and Isaac, "and not this," and then to Danny and Ethan, "is a good idea for a couples costume, then I'm afraid for your future."

"You shouldn't," Danny pipes up. "Knowing Stiles, he'll have Derek dressed up in something embarrassing in no time."

Stiles glares at Danny while Erica, Cora, and Isaac look elated at the prospect of that happening.

Derek just gives Danny and Ethan, Cora and Isaac a very pointed look and says, "I think we have different definitions of what's embarrassing."

There are a few tense seconds of silence at that, Derek's body tensing as he wonders if he went too far, before they all burst out laughing.

Stiles turns to grin at Derek just in time to see him ducking his head, his lips curling up in a little pleased smile at making them laugh.

Stiles doesn't even think about it before leaning in and pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth, enjoying the way Derek's head snaps up and his gaze softens as the same time his cheeks flush.

They turn back to find their friends staring at them, but Stiles refuses to be embarrassed about being affectionate with Derek in public.

Not that he needs to worry about that when everyone's attention turn to the two people approaching them.

One can never say Lydia Martin doesn't know how to make an entrance.

She looks absolutely stunning as she walks up to them in a flowy white toga with a slit on the left side that shows off her leg up to mid-thigh as she walks, the golden bands around her upper arms glinting in the low light, her hair done up with loose curls spilling over her shoulder and framing her face.

"You look like a goddess," is the first thing out of Stiles' mouth when she gets within ear shot.

"That's because I am one," Lydia arches an eyebrow at him, glossed lips forming a small smile as she leans in to kiss him on the cheek. "Athena, to be more precise."

When Lydia turns to greet Derek it's with a look in her eyes that, if Stiles didn't know better, would mean she knows exactly why Derek reacted the way that he did last time they met.

But Stiles guesses that's Lydia for you, with her ability to take one look at a person and make them think she knows everything there is to know about them and their lives.

And it says something about the kind of people Derek has as his friends that he doesn't even bat an eye when Lydia eyes him up and down before saying, "It's good to see you, Derek," her lips twitching minutely.

"You too," Derek says, sounding a little nervous but still like he means it.

It probably helps to have Stiles plastered against his side, something Stiles thinks Lydia might have considered before greeting everyone.

You know, observing how Stiles and Derek are interacting in public to see if everything's as great as Stiles keeps telling them it is.

Danny takes up introducing Lydia to the others, Erica and Lydia eyeing each other warily before smiling and trading compliments on the other's costume, Boyd giving her a small smile and a nod of his head, Isaac waving his fingers at her before going back to twirling strand of Cora's head between them, and Cora tilting her head to the side as if considering if Lydia is worthy of her time before smiling faintly.

Stiles breathes a sigh of relief.

So far so good.

Until he turns his head a little to the side to tell Derek as much and, "And who are you supposed to be?"

Jackson glowers as he walks the final steps up to them.

He pointedly stops by Danny's side instead of Lydia's, and Stiles fights the urge to look skyward and ask for strength at now knowing they're probably fighting again.

He should have realized it when Lydia came up to them alone, but he can't be blamed for being distracted by Lydia's entrance.

She looks fucking gorgeous.

And Stiles has Derek Hale in a chef's costume for a boyfriend.

"He kind of looks like Jack Dawson," Cora says, blinking at him.

And no one is more surprised than Stiles when they all hear Lydia snort, bringing a hand up to her lips as if she didn't mean for it to come out.

Jackson looks incredibly offended at Cora's comment, and even more angry at having Lydia laugh at him, his jaw clenching as his hands curl into fists, "I am not Jack Dawson. This doesn't even remotely looks like a Jack Dawson costume."

"It kind of does," Stiles, Erica, Isaac, Ethan, and Derek say at the same time.

Jackson's eye twitches.

Cora presses her lips together as if trying not to laugh.

And Lydia just sits on a stool and accepts the drink Boyd brings for her when he appears again, staring at everyone as if this is the best thing that's ever happened to her.

"Well, it's not," Jackson sulks, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Then what is it?" Stiles asks, enjoying Jackson's anger at everyone way too much.

Like usual.

He wouldn't be who he is if he didn't take every opportunity to be a dick to Jackson seriously.

Jackson mumbles an answer, voice drawn out by the low music and sounds of people talking around them or calling for drinks.

"What was that?" Stiles asks sweetily, glancing at Lydia in time to see her trying to hide her smile against the rim of her glass.

And suddenly he's feeling all kinds of gleeful about this, because if Lydia is trying not to laugh about what Jackson is dressed up as, then it means it's something really fucking embarrassing.

Jackson mumbles something again, voice still too low for any of them to hear.

"I still can't hear you," Stiles sniffs, pressing his lips together and trying to keep a straight face.

He doesn't succeed.

Danny lets out a sigh, clasping Jackson in the shoulder, "C'mon, man. You know Stiles is too much of an asshole to let this go. Just answer him."

"He's an asshole alright," Jackson says, glaring at Stiles.

Who glares right back.

And totally misses the glint in Erica's eyes until she opens her mouth and says, "That's good. Because Derek sure knows how to be a di-"

Stiles makes a mental note to give whatever present Isaac wants for Christmas, because he's never been as grateful to someone as he is right now, as Isaac slaps a hand over Erica's mouth and cuts off her sentence.

Not that it makes much of a difference, with how Jackson is sniggering and staring at Erica like he just found his new best friend.

Erica notices him looking and gives him a wink.

Stiles rests his head against Derek's shoulder and tries to smother himself with his chef coat, not that he succeeds much.

And when he lifts his head up is to see Derek's gone pink, his eyes darting from Isaac to Erica, expression going from gratefulness to I'll shave your eyebrows while you sleep.

Everyone else is staring at both Jackson and Erica like they can't quite believe this is happening.

And Stiles would find it funny when the awful sense of realization sets in that Erica and Jackson now know each other and can join forces to gross everyone out with their horrible innuendos if he wasn't so busy regretting everything that's lead him to this moment.

That is, until Derek turns his head to rest his forehead against Derek's temple and whisper, "We can still run if we want to."

"As entertaining as those few seconds were," Lydia chimes in, eyes sparkling as she raises an eyebrow at Jackson. "You still haven't told them what your costume is."

Stiles gave up trying to understand how the dynamics of Lydia and Jackson's relationship work, but he can honestly say there's no one else who can quite irritate him as much as she can.

And heavens know Stiles tried.

Jackson scowls, lips pressed together, his eyes raking everywhere but the stool where Lydia is sitting.

"I'm Noah," he says, glaring at the ground.

Stiles blinks.

So do the rest of them, with the exception of Lydia and Danny.

Lydia just smiles, obviously pleased with herself.

Danny looks a little bit concerned, but Stiles can see by the barely there smirk on his face that he's trying not to show how amused he is by all of this.

"Noah," Cora repeats, staring blankly at him.

"Who's Noah?" Derek ducks to whisper against Stiles' ear, at the same time Isaac asks the question out loud.

"The guy from The Notebook," Boyd is the one who answers, shrugging when everyone turns to look at him. "It's obvious."

Cora, Isaac, Erica, and Ethan turn to Jackson, brows furrowed as they consider him.

He's wearing gray slacks secured with a skinny belt, a brown button down shirt thrown under a flannel jacket, and an ascot hat on head, looking exactly like a more polished version of Noah from The Notebook.

It is kind of obvious, after having someone point it out to them who he's supposed to be.

And it's also the reason why Stiles' shoulders start shaking with restrained laughter.

Because this is awesome.

And aside from Danny and Lydia, he's the only one who knows why that is.

The only one who can appreciate what it means for Jackson to come to a costume party dressed as the guy from The Notebook.

"You're Ryan Gosling," Stiles says in a strangled voice, biting down on his bottom lip. "You- I- You're someone from The Notebook."

Derek and his friends turn to stare at Stiles in confusion, not knowing what's so funny about having Jackson dressed as he is.

"Shut up," Jackson snaps, sticking his hands in his pockets.

"What's the big deal?" Isaac asks, raising both eyebrows when Jackson turns to glare at him.

"It's Lydia's favorite movie," Stiles answers, lips twitching up despite himself.

Cora snorts in disgust, making a face when Lydia turns to her with narrowed eyes.

"You dressed as a character from her favorite movie," Isaac says slowly, obviously enjoying Jackson's discomfort.

Stiles thinks Isaac might be his favorite.

"I think it's sweet," Erica chimes in, grinning.

And totally oblivious to the way Jackson's face flushes in anger at her comment.

Danny groans, dropping his forehead against Ethan's shoulder, because he knows that's about the worst thing anyone could ever say to Jackson.

Or, to be honest, just really acknowledge that he's somewhat of a good person who has feelings and cares about things and people.

Which must be the reason why Lydia is so set on having everyone know what Jackson did in regards of his costume.

"It's not sweet," Jackson bristles, but before he can say anything else Lydia interrupts.

"It's really not."

There are a few tense seconds where Jackson and Lydia make eye contact, Derek's friends and Ethan eyeing the couple in interest, while Stiles and Danny look at each other and roll their eyes.

Derek just ducks his head again so he can ask, "Should we be worried or is this normal for them?"

"As long as Lydia doesn't start throwing anything, we're good," Stiles answers, and then adds, "Do you think Boyd would give me some of those brownies now? I like food with my entertainment."

Derek snorts, breath ghosting over the shell of Stiles' ear.

"You're a horrible friend."

"Lucky for you, I'm an awesome boyfriend."

Derek shakes his head, dropping a kiss behind Stiles' ear and making him shiver, before turning back to watch Lydia and Jackson's staring contest.

Not that there's much to see.

You know, considering that as soon as Jackson opens his mouth to say something, Laura appears.

And not just appears, but flops down on a stool by Erica's side, the first thing out of her mouth being, "I'm Derek's older sister and the fountain of all embarrassing stories you could ever hear about him. Nice to meet you all."

"Fucking hell, Laura," Derek swears scrubbing a hand over his face as Laura beams at him.

At the same time Erica starts cackling Boyd lets out a sigh and gets a look on his face that says he's tired of everyone's shit, Isaac smirks at Derek and winks at Laura, while Cora gives Derek a sympathetic look but makes no moves to come to his defense.

Lydia's eyes flash appreciatively as she looks at Laura, Danny and Ethan staring at her with both eyebrows raised and smiles on his lips, while Jackson looks like he's in awe of her.

Stiles' stomach churns at how perfect everything is going.

"How embarassing are we talking about?" Jackson asks, because of course he does.

Jackson wouldn't be who he is either if he didn't hold on to any and all opportunities to get information he can use against Stiles later.

"Boyd," Stiles says before Laura can answer, clapping once. "How about those bats?"

For a second Stiles thinks Boyd will ignore his cry for help, but when he and Derek share a glance and Derek gives him the most miserable look he can muster Boyd nods.

"Are you guys good being left alone with each other?" Stiles asks as he and Derek make their way behind the counter, stomach turning into knots at the prospect of having their friends interacting without him to mediate.

"Oh, we're gonna be fine," Jackson answers, sidestepping Danny and Ethan so he can get closer to Laura. "I'm sure Laura has a lot of interesting stories to keep us entertained."

Laura blinks at Jackson once before letting her lips stretch into a positively evil smile, "I don't know where Stiles found you, but I think I'm going to keep you."

Lydia looks a bit miffed at that comment.

Until Erica butts in and says, "As long as I can keep Lydia for fashion advice and tips on how to achieve world domination."

Stiles bites on his lower lip to keep himself from telling Erica she can have whoever the fuck she wants for avoiding a Laura and Lydia smackdown, sharing a look with Derek instead.

"This is going way too well," is all Derek says, sounding equal parts hopeful and skeptical.

Because now Lydia and Erica are talking in hushed whispers about things that will probably come to bite Stiles in the ass later, while Laura and Jackson snicker and talk about things that will definitely come bite Stiles and Derek in the ass later, and Danny, Ethan, Cora, and Isaac talk about things that don't involve Stiles and Derek at all because they're good people and Stiles likes them.

Well, most of them.

He's not that sure about Cora just yet.

Stiles nods, "Can we agree on go eat treats and worry about what this means for our future together later?"

Derek's entire face twitches at the words our future together, and Stiles can't help but feel his heart flip in his chest at the way Derek's lips curl up in a soft smile.

"Yes, we can."

"Good, because I have to go back to work and you two aren't being fast enough," Boyd interrupts them, pushing the door that leads to the kitchen in the back and ushering them inside.

Stiles feels about five seconds of happiness and excitement at knowing he doesn't have to dream about eating any of Boyd's baked goods again - those cupcakes were amazing, okay? - before it all comes crashing down as he spots someone standing in the middle of the kitchen.

That someone being Derek's mom.

Who Stiles would say is dressed exactly like all the other times he's seen her - in black stilettos, a long skirt, and a blouse -, you know, if it wasn't for the additional red contact lenses making her eyes almost glow.

And also the yellow sharp claws for nails she's using to cut through a black cupcake paper cup.

Stiles isn't scared of her.

Really.

He isn't.

No matter the look Boyd and Derek send his way when he just stands there and doesn't take another step into the room.

Mrs. Hale is oblivious to them, focusing on getting rid of the paper cup without messing with the frosting and the little spider on top of it.

That is, until the door slams shut behind them, drowning out the sounds of the bar.

"Boys," Mrs. Hale smiles at Derek and Boyd when she looks up before turning her attention to Stiles. "Hello, Stiles. I'm glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't miss it, Mrs. Hale. And thank you for the invitations," Stiles offers her a shaky smile in return. "And nice costume. Werewolf?"

"Alpha werewolf," Derek supplies, sounding kind of proud in his mom's behalf.

Stiles thinks it's adorable.

"It was nothing, Stiles," she says, eyes glinting. "You here to steal some of the treats?"

"If you haven't eaten them all first," Derek looks pointedly at the cupcake in her hand.

Stiles wonders if rolling their eyes so hard they almost fall out of their sockets is a Hale trait.

He thinks it might be, just after the whole sneaking up on people deal.

"Don't start with me," Mrs. Hale says, ponting a clawed fingernail at him.

Boyd walks past them and to one of the closed boxes on top of the counter, grabbing a few napkins and placing the bat brownies over it.

Stiles practically salivates as Boyd hands them to him and Derek, not even caring at the sounds he makes when he takes the first bite.

"Derek," Stiles says, swallowing. "How mad would you be at me if I married Boyd?"

Boyd smiles that ghost of a smile at Stiles, while Mrs. Hale chuckles at him.

Derek just raises an eyebrow and says, "You should be asking how mad Erica would be."

Stiles blinks at him.

And thinks about how Erica is now talking to Lydia, who knows so much about Stiles she could pretty much ruin his life by uttering a single word.

The dejected look he gives the half-eaten brownie in his hand must be pretty impressive, because Boyd walks up to him and rests a hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

"I have a feeling I'll be stressed a lot these next couple of weeks," Boyd eyes, eyeing Mrs. Hale.

Who just grins at him before taking a huge bite of her cupcake.

"I think I should say I'm sorry," Stiles tells Boyd, still staring down at the brownie. "But this is too good for me to care."

He then bites off the other wing, chewing and giving Boyd a close-lipped smile when he lets out a sigh and shakes his head.

"Don't let your boyfriend or your mother eat all of my food," Boyd tilts his chin at Derek. "I promised the others they could have something after we close down."

Derek glances from Stiles to Mrs. Hale, pressing his lips together.

"I'll try my best."

Boyd rolls his eyes at him, waving at Mrs. Hale before opening the door and walking back to the bar.

It takes Stiles a few seconds to notice him and Derek are now alone with Derek's mother, too busy tasting the brownie and being amazed at how fucking good it is.

When he does, though, he's surprised to find she's smiling softly at them, her arms crossed over her chest and red eyes taking in how Stiles and Derek are practically glued to each other's sides.

Stiles feels his face heat.

It's not that he has a problem with being affectionate with Derek in public.

He's pretty sure that making out with him in the park, and at the movies, and at the bar's parking lot, and inside the bar makes that clear.

But there's something about doing that in front of someone's parent - or his, really - that leaves Stiles feeling embarrassed.

Maybe it has to do with how much his own father enjoyed making fun of him for it whenever he caught Stiles parking or making out with someone on their couch.

And Derek doesn't help with the situation, actually going ahead and snaking an arm around Stiles' waist.

Not that Stiles thinks Derek realizes there's a situation.

In fact, he looks to be enjoying it all, with the way he's staring back at his mom with a soft look on his face.

As if trying to tell and show her that he's okay, that are good, that he's happy.

Stiles blushes even deeper at that, trying to keep the pleased smile from showing on his face.

He doesn't think he succeeds much.

Not when Mrs. Hale grins at him.

And says, "It's good to see you two together."

Derek turns to look at Stiles, and Stiles' breath hitches at how much he can see in Derek's eyes in that moment.

"It's good to be together," Derek says lowly, eyes crinkling at the corners and the tips of his ears turning red as he ducks his head a little, embarrassed.

"Yeah," Stiles says, swallowing hard. "It is."

Derek looks up at him from under his lashes, fingers squeezing Stiles' hips.

The moment is broken when Cora comes bursting in, looking flushed and sweaty and a little bit angry.

For a second Stiles thinks something might have gone terribly wrong with his friends, but that gets pushed aside when Cora rounds on her mother.

"I can't believe you're in here," Cora narrows her eyes at the cupcake paper cups on the counter. "Eating."

Mrs. Hale just raised an eyebrow at her, as if daring Cora to continue.

Cora must realize she's being out of line, because she's fast to apologize.

"Sorry, mom. But there are people looking for you and wondering where you are. They all want to congratulating you on doing such a wonderful job on this place."

Stiles can tell by the way Cora's eyebrows twitch that she's fighting the urge to roll her eyes at that, but Mrs. Hale simply nods at her and says, "I'll be right there."

"She's right, Mrs. Hale," Stiles says when Cora turns around and gets back to the bar. "The place looks amazing."

"Thank you, Stiles," she says, red eyes glowing. "I don't know if Derek told you, but it was you who gave me the idea to set up everything as it is."

Stiles turns to Derek, brows furrowed in confusion as he wonders what he could have done to-

"Oh my god," Stiles gasps. "The texts."

More precisely, the ones Stiles sent Derek telling him about the rumors going around town.

Derek presses his lips together, which does nothing to keep Stiles from knowing he wants to laugh at Stiles' horror.

You know, considering the way Derek's chest is shaking and Stiles can feel it against his side.

Mrs. Hale is grinning widely at him, looking so fucking smug Stiles doesn't even know how to deal with it.

"Well, I better get going," she tells them, stopping by them to kiss Derek on the cheek and give Stiles' arm a squeeze. "And Stiles, I like your costume too."

She says that with a hint of sadness in her tone, and when Stiles looks back at Derek is to see him with a faraway look in his eyes.

When Mrs. Hale closes the door behind her as she leaves, Derek reminds him why.

"My dad," Derek says softly. "Mom sometimes still has a hard time with it. Seeing you dressed as a bunny reminds her of when he used to- Of when he used to go to the Egg Runs."

"I'm sorry," Stiles says quietly, feeling guilty. "It didn't even cross-"

"It's okay," Derek shakes his head. "You don't have to apologize. I know you're dressed like this because it means something to us, and I'm glad you did it."

"Yeah?" Stiles asks, shifting on his heels so he and Derek are standing face to face.

"Yeah," Derek says, leaning in and bumping their noses together. "New happy memories and all of that."

Stiles closes the distance between them and slots their lips together in a sweet kiss, tasting the chocolate from the bat brownie on Derek's tongue.

The kiss is interrupted by Stiles' phone going off, Derek pulling back and sticking a hand on Stiles' pocket so he can grab it.

They both read the new text from Scott saying him and Allison are almost to the bar, and Stiles feels Derek's muscles tense from where his hands are resting on Derek's forearms.

"Are you okay to do this?" Stiles asks, because he knows this is not going to be easy.

There's baggage between Derek and Allison now, painful memories lingering between them, the knowledge that they've both been through something terrible by the hands of someone they loved.

And there's no telling how Derek's family will react.

Although, as far as Stiles understands, they know Allison doesn't have any kind of relationship with Kate.

"I don't know," Derek answers honestly. "But I'd like- I want to see her. Maybe we- I'd- We don't have to talk about it now, but I'd like to. Someday. I think it'd be good to me to talk to someone who knew her."

"I think Allison would like that," Stiles says, bringing his hands up to Derek's shoulders. "I know Scott told me she wanted to see you again."

Derek nods, "She seems nice. You know, from what I've seen so far."

"I think you'll like her," Stiles tells him. "Not because of- Because of what you guys have been through, but because she's genuinely one of the sweetest, strongest, and most caring human beings I've ever met."

Stiles doesn't know what he's expecting, but it's certainly not Derek making light of the situation.

"Just like me?"

Stiles gapes at Derek before winding his arms around Derek's neck, pulling him closer.

"Exactly like you, boo," Stiles bats his lashes at him, grinning.

Derek smiles, pecking him on the lips before saying, "We should probably get out there. So we're around when Scott and Allison get here."

"Yeah," Stiles sighs. "We wouldn't want to leave them alone with your sister."

"Afraid they'll tell Laura embarrassing stories about your past?"

"Terrified."

Derek laughs against Stiles' lips, kissing him again before pulling back and taking on of Stiles' hands in his.

They find everyone but Cora and Boyd, who are busy managing the bar, where they left them, sitting around and talking.

The only difference is that now Lydia and Laura are the ones paired up, whatever Laura is saying making Lydia smile, while Erica and Jackson appear to be arguing about something that makes Erica look smug and Jackson look shocked, and Isaac and Danny seem super interested in what Ethan is telling them.

Jackson is the first one who notices them coming back, nudging Erica with his elbow and tilting his chin in their direction.

Stiles' stomach churns when they both practically collapse on themselves laughing, turning his head to see that Derek is glaring at them both.

Jackson and Erica being horrible people and laughing at Stiles and Derek's expense - nevermind Stiles has no idea what they're laughing about, only that involves him and Derek - gets the attention of the others, who all stare at them like they think they know exactly why it took them so long to come back from the kitchen.

Think being the key-word, because as soon as they go back to their places in front instead of behind the bar, Jackson asks, "You guys done making out now?"

Erica tries to hide her laughter behind the beer bottle she has in her hand, failing miserably when she chokes while taking a sip.

Jackson taps her on the back, pushing her hair aside from where it fell past her shoulders, covering her face.

"See?" Stiles asks after Erica tells Jackson she's okay. "This is what happens when you make fun of us behind our backs. You almost choke to death."

Erica sticks her tongue out at him, while Jackson narrows his eyes.

"If only that would happen to you, Stilinski."

"No, thank you," Stiles says, blowing him a kiss.

"Did mom stop hiding in the kitchen?" Laura asks Derek, wrinkling her nose. "I don't want to have people come up to me either asking me about her or thinking I'm her."

Stiles bites down on the inside of his cheek, and by the way a muscle in Derek's jaw ticks, Stiles knows he's trying really hard not to make fun of his sister right now.

In people's defense, though, Laura does look a lot like her mother.

"Yeah, she's out playing host right now," Derek says. "After eating about five of Boyd's spider cup-"

Derek stops abruptly, eyes focused on a something at Laura's left side.

Stiles follows his gaze, and so do the others at noticing Derek's behavior, to see a couple who looks a lot like his best friend and his girlfriend walking up to them.

Especially when the guy raises his hand to wave at them.

"I don't know why Scott insists on bringing attention to himself," Lydia comments. "It's not like we don't know he and Allison are here."

At the mention of Allison's name, Derek's friends straighten, eyes sharp zeroing on her as they walk through the crowd and up to them.

Stiles knows this means they know who Allison is, and that by the way they're not calling security and asking for her to be thrown out they know she doesn't have any contact with Kate and never knew about her relationship with Derek.

But the cautious expression in their faces tell Stiles that they don't know why that's the case.

That Derek didn't tell them about what happened to Allison, that they're much more alike than any of them ever thought they were.

Scott is still smiling when they get to the bar, Allison's hand clasped tightly in his.

"Hey, man," Stiles says, letting go of Derek after squeezing his hand in favor of giving Scott a quick hug.

"Hey, dude," Scott says, flicking Stiles' nose. "Nice costume."

Stiles sticks his tongue out at him, turning to Allison.

"Hey, Stiles," Allison says shyly, but still with a small smile on her face, dimples showing.

"Hey, Ally," Stiles kisses her on the cheek, stepping back so he can really look at their costumes. "Really, guys? I mean. Really?"

"You like?" Scott grins wider, wiggling his eyebrows.

Danny, Jackson, and Stiles snort at them, while Lydia rolls her eyes.

"I think you make a great doctor," Allison tells Scott, kissing him on the cheek.

"And you make the sexiest firefighter I've ever seen," Scott tells her.

Only to have Jackson frown, "Hey."

Stiles pats Jackson on the head, "You're still the prettiest."

Jackson bats his hand away, frown deepening.

"Are those your mother's scrubs?" Lydia asks, eyeing Scott up and down.

Scott scratches the back of his neck, looking sheepish, "Yeah, she let me borrow them for tonight."

Lydia rolls her eyes again, and for a few seconds no one says anything anymore.

Derek's friends are still staring at Allison like they don't quite know what to do with her, sending glances at Derek every couple of seconds to see what he'll do.

Stiles likes it that they're leaving this for Derek to handle, instead of meddling like they've been doing so far.

He wonders if Derek spoke to them about her coming before the party started like he mentioned, letting them know not to do anything.

Allison is staring back at Derek, her eyes knowing and sad and expectant.

Because no matter how much she might want to talk to Derek or get to know him better, it's in Derek's hands to make the choice to let that happen.

Stiles slips his hand against Derek's again, linking their fingers together and offering support, letting him know Stiles is here for him.

Isaac must have called Cora and Boyd to let them know what's going on, because they appear behind the counter and stay there, eyes going from Derek to Allison and back again.

Erica, Isaac, and Laura are acting much the same way, although Laura's expression is a little more serious than the other's.

Isaac is actually the one who looks more relaxed about all of this, but that may be because he already knows Scott.

Lydia is eyeing them with that calculated look of hers that makes Stiles think she already found out what's going on and is now waiting for everyone to catch up.

Danny and Ethan both notice the tension, Ethan more with curiosity and Danny with concern.

He even sends a worried glance back in Stiles direction, only to get a small smile in return.

And then there's Jackson.

Who just takes a sip of his drink and looks oblivious to everything.

"Hi, Derek," Allison says, bringing everyone's attention to her.

Everyone knows there's a lot more to what she's saying than just a simple greeting, but no one comments on it.

They all stare back at Derek, his friends sending him looks as if telling him they have his back, while Stiles leans more heavily against his side and hopes to fuck this doesn't blow up in their faces.

He feels Derek take a deep breath, bracing himself for what he's about to do.

From the outside, he looks completely calm and in control of the situation, face blank in a way that either tells Stiles he's about to shut down or he's trying really fucking hard not to give in to his nerves.

Actually, the only thing that gives away how nervous Derek is is the way his palm goes clammy against Stiles'.

And then Derek takes a step forward, bringing Stiles with him by the iron grip he has on him.

He stops and looks at Allison, lips thin and jaw clenched, nails biting against the soft skin on the back of Stiles' hand.

Scott steps closer to Allison, who merely stares back at Derek, refusing to back out without him explicitly telling her to.

Which he doesn't, not at all.

Derek shifts on his heels, swallowing hard before he extends his free hand to her, saying, "It's nice seeing you again."

Stiles would laugh at how awkward Derek looks right now if this wasn't so important to him, if this didn't mean so much to both him and Allison.

Allison, who smiles like having Derek make this gestures means the world to her, shaking his hand and saying, "You too. Thank you for inviting us. The cards really helped us, because I think if we had to wait in line we'd never get in."

They all breathe a sigh of relief, Derek's friends and family still looking a bit wary, but knowing that if Derek is okay with having Allison here, then they should trust his judgement.

Stiles is the one who introduces Allison and Scott to the others when Derek looks at him pleadingly, as if he doesn't want to be the one to bring another Argent into their lives, no matter how nice he thinks Allison is.

He gets it, and he has no problem with taking that weight off Derek's shoulders.

Isaac is the most friendly one, already knowing who Scott is, and certainly having heard about Allison from him before. He smiles at both of them and claps Scott on the shoulder, smiling at him.

Boyd is his usual calm self, greeting them hello before apologizing and saying he needs to go back to work.

Erica eyes Allison like she's maybe thinking of pouncing and fighting her where they stand, but after Allison gushes about her costume she's a lot more at ease. Stiles thinks it might have something to do with the way Scott smiles goofily at her and starts telling her about his and Jackson's kitten rescue bet, giving the costume she's wearing.

Cora looks her usual blank-faced self, giving nothing away as introductions are made. She, too, excused herself to go back to work as soon as Scott and Allison say hi.

Laura is the one Stiles worries about most, knowing how protective older sisters can be, but he quickly finds out he doesn't have to when Laura is super nice to them, even going as far as grabbing a couple of stools and bringing them close so Scott and Allison can sit.

Stiles wonders if Laura's reaction has anything to do with her seeing how he reacted that night at dinner, from hearing him say that Allison never mentioned Kate and no one knew she had any other family.

"Are there still a lot of people outside?" Laura asks them, eyes raking over the bar.

"You have no idea," Scott shakes his head. "I think everyone's curious to see what this place looks like on the inside."

"I think it looks great," Stiles sniffs.

Isaac rolls his eyes, "I wonder why."

"Why?" Danny, Jackson, Lydia, Scott, and Allison ask at the same time, all turning to Stiles.

Who clamps his mouth shut.

"Stiles texted Derek about people thinking this place was either a dungeon or a torture chamber and Talia decided to run with the idea," Erica tells them, smirking.

Especially when Stiles' friends turn to look at him in horror.

Derek is the one who saves Stiles from everyone, directing the conversation to safer topics.

It doesn't take long before Erica, Jackson, and Ethan are talking about couples yoga, Scott, Derek, and Isaac about bikes, and Laura, Lydia, and Allison about the many going-ons in the hospital and Laura's job as a lawyer, and Stiles and Danny about how well this is going.

"I noticed the tension before," Danny comments. "Between Derek and Allison. Whoever Derek dated that was friends with her, it seems like the person left a really bad impression."

Stiles presses his lips together, because Danny has no idea.

"You have no idea. But please don't mention anything," Stiles asks him. "Derek's friends are not really fond of that person, and it's actually a really huge step for them being this friendly with Ally."

"It seems like a huge step for Derek, too," Danny says, taking a sip of his drink.

"Nothing gets past you, doesn't it, Danny boy?"

Danny just grins, dimples showing.

"Do you like them?" Stiles bites down on his lower lip. "Derek's friends? Do you think-"

"That we'll be able to be near each other?" Danny fills in.

Stiles nods.

"I like them," Danny says honestly. "I know Ethan does, too. I can't say anything for the others, but it looks like they're having fun."

Stiles must still look a little nervous, because Danny adds, "You don't have to worry about us. We all know how much Derek means to you, and his friends and sisters seem like good people. Even if they turn out not to be one of our favorite people, we can still make nice with them."

Stiles' heart flips, hope blooming in his chest along with affection at having the greatest friends ever, "Yeah?"

"Yeah," Danny gives him a sharp nod, bumping their shoulders together. "Now go back to your man. He keeps looking at us with a kicked puppy face and it's making me feel guilty."

Stiles turns to look at Derek just in time to see him staring at him.

And looking exactly like a kicked puppy, the corner of his lips turned down.

When their eyes lock Derek immediately looks away, the tips of his ears flushing at being caught.

"Fuck, I love him," Stiles says, shaking his head and smiling softly.

"Did you already tell him that?" Danny raises an eyebrow at him.

Stiles shakes his head, because he still doesn't think now is the right time.

"I'm gonna go to him," Stiles says, to which Danny just rolls his eyes at him.

"And I'm going back to my knight in shining armor," Danny winks, walking up to Ethan while Stiles walks up to Derek's side.

The skin of Derek's neck is still flushed hot at being caught staring, and Stiles is quick in placing a soft kiss right under his jaw.

"Missed me?" Stiles bats his lashes, grinning when Derek scowls at him.

Or tries to.

The way his lips twitch up in the corners totally ruins the effect.

"Dude," Scott says at seeing him. "We were just talking about going to get me a new bike."

Stiles blinks, remembering this conversation from dinner night, lips stretching in a smile at the knowing look in Scott's eyes.

Because this is him trying to make Derek feel included and let him know things are okay between them.

"Yeah?" Stiles looks at Derek, who nods, before turning back to Scott. "God knows you're needing one, buddy."

Scott points a finger at him, "No making fun of my crappy bike when the Jeep you're driving is older than us."

Isaac raises his eyebrows at that, looking impressed, "Seriously?"

Stiles narrows his eyes at him, "No talking shit about my baby."

"Who's talking shit about Derek?" Erica appears by Stiles' side, looking pissed.

And then vaguely confused when both Isaac and Scott burst out laughing, entire bodies shaking, and Derek looks about like he's ready for the ground to open and swallow him up.

"What?" Erica demands, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You're the best," Isaac says, wiping tears from his eyes. "The absolute best."

"Obviously," Erica huffs. "But I still don't know what's going on."

Derek looks more and more uncomfortable, which leads Stiles to say, "What's going on is that Derek and I are going dancing."

Stiles barely registers the panic look on Derek's face at his words, too busy dragging him away from everyone by his wrist.

He stops when they're in the middle of the crowd, wrapping his arms around Derek's shoulders and pulling Derek flush against him.

"You okay?" Stiles asks, noticing how stiff Derek is in his arms.

"I don't really dance," Derek mumbles against Stiles' ear, breath ghosting over Stiles' neck.

"That's okay," Stiles shrugs. "You just looked like you needed away from there for a little while."

Derek snorts, hands resting tentatively on Stiles' hips.

"I knew my friends could be overwhelming," Derek says. "And that yours could, too. I don't know why we didn't think of that when we thought about bringing them together."

"I think we overlooked a lot of things because we wanted them to get along," Stiles muses out loud, turning his head a little so he can nose at Derek's cheek.

"And they do," Derek says, looking back at the bar where they're all sitting, talking and laughing with each other. "Or at least it looks like they do."

"This is going a whole lot better than we thought it would," Stiles says, following Derek's gaze. "I wonder why."

It's Derek's turn to shrug, "Maybe it's meant to be."

Stiles' head snaps back to Derek so fast he gets a little dizzy, jaw going slack as he stares at him, dumbfounded.

Because there Derek goes, being so fucking adorable and amazing and cheesy that Stiles' heart is about to burst out of his chest.

He looks nervous, too, as if not really knowing if his words are welcomed.

But Derek doesn't avoid Stiles' gaze, not like he used to, not matter how uncomfortable he feels.

And Stiles loves him so much in that moment that he doesn't even think twice before pressing their lips together, licking his way past the seam of Derek's lips and trying to pour everything he's feeling into the kiss.

He thinks Derek gets it, with how he secures his arms more firmly around Stiles' waist, holding him tight, palms sliding under Stiles' jacket and shirt to rest on the small of his back.

Stiles doesn't know how long they stay like that, kissing, tasting, trying to convey how much they care about each other.

But he does know they only break apart because someone really close to them says, "I thought Laura was lying when she told me she found you kissing before saying hello to everyone."

They break the kiss with a slick sound, Stiles staring with wide eyes at the person standing next to them, while Derek buries his face against Stiles' neck and groans.

"Now, nephew, aren't you going to introduce me to your boyfriend?"

Derek lifts his head up and opens his mouth to say something Stiles thinks might have sound like a fuck no, only to stop and frown at his uncle, "Are you dressed as yourself?"

"I don't see why I'd need a costume when I'm this good looking," Peter smiles, all teeth.

Stiles blinks.

And takes in the expensive suit and shoes and styled haircut and creepy smile and wonders how the fuck is he related to Derek.

"Right," Derek says flatly, eyes narrowing.

The man, which Stiles now knows with absolute certainty is Derek's uncle, Peter, rolls his eyes at him.

And there it is.

Definitely a Hale trait.

Peter gestures a hand for them to follow, leading them away from the ground, on the opposite direction of the bar.

Stiles has to say he's grateful for that.

And also a little bit scared, wondering what is that Peter wants to say that needs to be done away from their friends.

"Now, do you care for making introductions?" Peter smiles, all sharp teeth and a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Or should I take care of that myself?"

Stiles swallows hard.

"Uncle Peter," Derek says flatly. "This is Stiles, my boyfriend."

Peter raises his eyebrows, waiting for more.

Derek sighs.

"Stiles," Derek says, accompanied by a quick squeeze with the hand he has resting on Stiles' hip. "This is my uncle, Peter."

"Nice to meet you," Stiles says, extending a hand for a shake.

He figures he better be in his best manners when talking to Peter, and by the way his smile widens, Stiles is right.

"The pleasure's all mine," Peter says, shaking his hand. "I've heard a lot about you from my family these past few months."

"All good things, I hope," Stiles says, voice a little high.

"Oh, yes," Peter nods, his eyes burning into Stiles very much like Lydia's, making him think Peter knows all of his secrets by just looking at him. "Very good things."

Stiles offers him a smile, pressing closer to Derek.

He knows he doesn't really have a reason to feel uneasy around Peter, but there's just something about him that makes Stiles feel like he's walking on the edge of a very sharp knife.

"Especially from Derek," Peter adds, eyes going to his nephew.

Who blushes furiously, to Stiles' delight.

"Uncle Peter."

"Now, Derek, there's no need to be embarrassed," Peter says, patting him on the shoulder, his face softening. "It makes me happy knowing you've found someone that makes you happy."

Stiles can hear the sincerity in Peter's words, the fact the he means what he's saying making Stiles relax a little.

And Derek, too, who looks at his Uncle less like he wants to kill him.

Until Peter turns to Stiles and says, "The question is if you feel the same."

Stiles blinks.

And figures Derek's friends and sisters' protective streak extends to his Uncle.

Great.

Stiles squares his shoulders and looks at Peter straight in the eye, refusing to back down.

"I do feel the same."

As much as Stiles wants to look at Derek, who turns to him, he keeps his eyes trained on Peter's.

He must see Stiles means it, with every fiber of his being, because his face breaks into a radiant smile, "I thought so. Now, if you two excuse me, I need to go find Derek's mother."

Derek and Stiles stare after him as he walks past them and back into the crowd, both looking like they have no idea what just happened.

"He was testing me, wasn't he?" Stiles asks, eyes still on the crowd.

Derek opens and closes his mouth without making a sign, bringing a hand up to run through his hair.

The motion makes his chef coat look even tighter across his chest and arms, and Stiles loses himself a little staring at him.

He's brought back to himself when Derek apologizes, though.

"I'm sorry for him," Derek shakes his head. "He always took care of us, and after- After what happened he kind of took it upon himself to take even more care of everyone."

"I understand. I don't necessarily agree with what he just did, but I get it," Stiles says, and then makes a face. "But if he questions my feelings for you again, I'll be offended."

Derek's lips tug up at that, eyes dancing, "Your feelings for me?"

Stiles rolls his eyes.

"Don't even pretend you don't know how hot I am for your everything."

Derek smirks at him, not saying anything, just closing the distance between them and claiming Stiles' lips in a kiss.

With meeting Peter, the last of Stiles' worries are gone, leaving him able to enjoy the rest of the party.

They go back to their friends, finding that Danny and Ethan are out dancing, Isaac is helping Cora and Boyd and the other bartenders at the bar, Erica and Jackson laughing at their own jokes, and Lydia, Scott, and Allison talking to Laura about different hair products, of all things.

The night passes like that, with all of them together and getting to know a little about each other, dancing, drinking, laughing, and enjoying the night as a group.

It makes Stiles want to grab Derek and kiss the shit out of him, knowing that they did this, brought this people together, and that they all seem to genuinely like each other.

The only problem is that he can't find Derek anywhere.

He knows Laura, Erica, and Lydia are in the makeshift dance floor somewhere, while Jackson is talking to a guy dressed in a lacrosse uniform about his high school conquests, and Danny and Ethan disappeared a few minutes ago, which probably means they're having sex in the bathroom. Cora, Boyd, and Isaac are still serving people drinks, and Scott in slumped against Stiles' side, an arm thrown over his shoulder and a smile on his face.

And Allison is also nowhere to be seen.

He must say something out loud, because Scott turns to look at him, "Dude, they snuck out behind the counter to talk about thirty minutes ago."

Stiles blinks at him, eyes going to the door that leads to the kitchen.

"Do you think they're okay?"

Scott nods, "If they weren't, Allison would text me."

Stiles frowns, worrying at his bottom lip.

"Stiles," Scott pokes him in the cheek. "It's good that they have this time to talk about stuff. And it's also good knowing that we're here waiting for them after they do."

Stiles looks at his best friend, "When did you become so smart?"

"I think it was back when we were little and I refused to eat a worm just because you dared me to," Scott grins at him, making Stiles snort.

They keep talking about unimportant stuff, bringing their other friends into the conversation when they make an appearance, but Stiles can't help but have half of his attention focused on the door to the kitchen.

And that's why he doesn't miss it when it opens.

Allison's eyes are puffy and red, but the expression on her face is calm as she walks up to them.

She surprises the fuck out of Stiles when she smiles widely at seeing him staring, sharing a glance with Derek before walking up to them and pulling Stiles into a hug.

She doesn't say anything to him, just gives him a kiss on the cheek before turning to Scott.

"I think we should get going," she says, pecking him on the lips when he frowns at her. "I think in about a minute or ten I'm going to pass out and sleep and you won't be able to wake me up again."

Scott blinks at her, looking from her to Derek and back again before giving her a small smile.

"Okay," Scott says, turning to Stiles and raising his fist for a fist bump. "See you later, man."

"You, too."

"Derek," Scott says, shaking Derek's hand. "You can get my number from Stiles or Isaac so we can talk about the bike thing."

"I will," Derek nods. "And I'll make sure to let Isaac know he's going to be involved."

Scott grins at that, "I'll see you later too, then."

Allison gives Stiles another hug and kiss, and leaves him staring at her open-mouthed when she walks right up to Derek and hugs him.

Scott raises both his eyebrows at Stiles in a way that totally says I told you so, but Stiles is too busy staring.

Because Derek hugs her back.

He even goes as far as smiling at her, even though is one of those barely there smiles, eyes soft as he looks at her.

"You'll be okay," Allison tells him, dimples showing. "And you have my number."

"Thank you," Derek says, nodding. "I- Thank you, Allison."

Allison looks from Stiles to Derek, smiling, "You're family now."

Like that's all there is to it.

Which it looks like it is, since Derek nods once again before giving her another quick hug and stepping back.

Stiles doesn't move after Scott and Allison turn and walk away, waiting for Derek to be the one to come to him.

And he does, looking worn out but lighter, like by talking to Allison he was able to let go of a few things that were bringing him down.

His arms go around Stiles' waist when he gets close enough, pulling him to him, face coming to hide against the crook of Stiles' neck, breathing him in.

Derek doesn't say anything, just stays there, with Stiles bringing a hand up to run through his hair, his lips pressed against Derek's shoulder.

"Want to talk about it?" Stiles asks, feeling Derek shaking his head.

"Later," Derek mumbles against Stiles' neck.

"Okay."

Stiles sees Laura eyeing them in concern as she makes her way back to the bar, Stiles waving a hand and making a face trying to tell her not to worry.

She must get what he's trying to say, because she nods and turns back around.

He knows Derek needs this time to regroup, that whatever he and Allison talked about in there wasn't something easy for him.

"Do you want to leave?" Stiles offers after a few minutes of Derek staying exactly where he is.

He feels Derek taking a deep breath, their chests pressed together, before he nods.

"Okay," Stiles says, pushing Derek back a little. "Want to say goodbye to everyone?"

Derek makes a face, then, like saying goodbye to his friends is the last thing he wants right now.

Stiles figures it's because they'll know something is up, and then they'll bug Derek about it until he tells them what it is.

"No goodbyes, then," Stiles says, sliding his hands down Derek's arms so he can hold his hands. "Just make sure to text them you're leaving so they don't call the poli-"

Stiles eyes widen, because his dad.

Derek must be thinking about the same thing he is, because he suddenly looks about three shades paler than usual, eyes darting around the bar as if to make sure Stiles' dad isn't hiding anywhere.

"He's not here," Stiles shakes his head. "He didn't show up."

"Or we didn't see him," Derek says, sounding hopeful.

Stiles snorts, "Trust me, he'd want us to see him."

Derek presses his lips together, "Do you think he'll still stop by?"

"I think we should probably head out," Stiles says, licking his lips. "Now. You know, in case he does."

Stiles doesn't think he's ever seen Derek move that fast, grabbing Stiles' hand and pulling him towards the door as soon as the word does is out of Stiles' lips.

They halfway there when Stiles feels someone's hand on his shoulder, tugging at Derek's hand to make him stop walking, and he sees his entire life flash before his eyes as he slowly turns around.

"Stilinski, thank you for the invitations."

Stiles could swear his heart stops in his chest, relief coursing through his body at seeing Chief Finstock in front of him.

Only for his wits to go back to him and make him really look at Chief Finstock in front of him.

"You're welcome, sir," Stiles says weakly, eyes too busy glued to his costume.

Or, more precisely, his cupcake costume.

That Stiles is pretty sure is for women.

"Hale," Finstock turns to Derek, who's staring at him with a bewildered expression. "Tell your mother this party is rocking."

"I will," Derek nods, blinking. "Sir."

Finstock nods, as if satisfied, before turning on his heels and walking away.

Derek and Stiles stand there for a second or two more, minds trying to come to grasps with what they just saw.

Derek is the first one who recovers, going back to dragging Stiles out as fast as he possibly can.

They pass Peter on the way, him and Stiles locking eyes for a few seconds that are enough for Peter to smirk at him, looking pleased.

By what, Stiles really doesn't want to know.

The air is cool outside, people still hanging around trying to get in, others just leaning against their cars and talking.

They walk to where their cars are parked, hand in hand, eyes scanning the parking lot looking for any signs of Stiles' dad.

They stop just short of Stiles' Jeep, facing each other, Derek looking like he has something to say but doesn't quite know how.

Stiles waits, leaning into Derek's space, fingers playing with the buttons of his coat.

"I don't think-," Derek starts, hands wrapping around Stiles' wrists, just holding on. "I said I wanted to leave, but I don't think I'm-"

Stiles looks at him, hands now splayed over Derek's chest.

"You're not ready to spend the night," Stiles guesses, lips curling up when Derek shakes his head. "It's okay. You don't have to. We can just stand here and talk. Or we can get inside the Jeep and talk. Or I can get inside the Jeep and drive home and you can get on your bike and drive to the loft. We have options, lots of them."

Derek stares at him for a few moments, eyes intense in a way that means he's thinking hard about something.

"Can I follow you on the bike while you drive home?"

"Sure," Stiles nods, confused.

Derek gives him a quick smile, pecking him on the lips before pushing him in the direction of his car.

Stiles goes, still having no idea where Derek is going with this.

The drive back to his place is filled with Stiles staring at his rearview mirror trying to see Derek, chuckling to himself when he does and Derek catches him, lifting his hand in a small wave.

He waits for Derek to climb off of the bike after they get to his building, leaning against the side of his Jeep, hands deep in his pockets.

Derek walks up to him, still in costume and looking just as gorgeous as when Stiles first saw him tonight.

And he kisses him.

Deep and slow and like he wants to make a statement, pressing his body against Stiles' and Stiles' body against the side of the car.

All Stiles can do is snake his arms around Derek's waist and hold on, pulling Derek impossibly closer to him and moan softly whenever Derek nips at his lips.

When Derek pulls back they're both breathing hard, cheeks flushed and hearts speeding, looking dazed.

"What was that?" Stiles blinks at him, sounding all kinds of breathless.

Even more so when Derek smiles, teeth showing and eyes crinkling and a dimple showing on his cheek.

"That was your treat," is all Derek says, looking extremely proud of himself.

Stiles closes his eyes, fighting the urge to break down right then.

Because he fucking loves Derek, okay?

He loves Derek, and Derek just made the most terrible and cheesy Halloween pun Stiles has ever heard, and it's too much.

It's too much, okay?

His heart can't handle dow fucking adorable Derek is half the time, let alone when he looks this pleased with himself about making a joke.

So all Stiles can do is open his eyes and shake his head at him, leaning in until he's smiling against Derek's lips and saying, "Happy Halloween, baby."

Derek smiles softly back, eyes crinkling as he brushes their lips together and says, "Happy Halloween, Bunny."

---

a/n:

Stiles as Bunny Yummy (suggested by TiggerLover, Shinigami24, No_shirt_no_shoes_no_Sheldon, mademoisellepantalonssassy, anon, AlecMcDowell, doctorwolf)

Derek as a Chef

Talia as an Alpha werewolf

Peter as himself because he's too good looking (kind of suggested by effbiz)

Laura as Wonder Woman because she's fucking wonderful, okay? (also kind of suggested by effbiz)

Cora as Jelly

Isaac as Peanut Butter

Boyd as MJ in Space Jam

Erica as Catwoman (suggested by effbiz, siriuslyyellow)

Scott as a doctor (suggested by TsukinArchangel)

Allison as a firefighter (suggested by TsukinArchangel)

Lydia as Athena (suggested by reader)

Jackson as Noah from The Notebook (suggested by TsukinArchangel)

Danny as Prince Charming (suggested by reader)

Ethan as a knight (suggested by reader)

Chief Finstock as a cupcake