a/n: check the end notes for important info xoxo
"On a scale of one to our-lives-are-ruined, how much do you think our friends liked each other?"
Derek stops halfway to sitting on the couch, ass hovering in the air and giving Stiles a fucking fantastic view of Derek's thigh muscles contracting and how nicely his old sweatpants shape every inch of his lower body.
Especially his ass.
Stiles licks his lips.
And thinks about hooking his fingers under the waistband of Derek's pants and tugging them down.
Because Derek has an amazing ass, and Stiles should be allowed to ogle it whenever he pleases.
And play with it too.
If he wants to.
And if Derek's okay with it.
Not that Stiles is going to bring that up now, no matter how much his dick seems to be interested in that particular scenario playing out.
"I don't like to think about it," Derek admits, flopping down beside Stiles and handing him a water bottle.
"I think I heard Lydia mention something about seeing Laura this week," Stiles says, screwing the lid open and bringing the bottle to his lips.
"Cora and Erica want to take Isaac and Boyd to Ethan's couples yoga class," Derek says quietly, lips turning down. "Something about working on their flexibility."
Stiles pats Derek's knee, biting back all the comments about them working on their flexibility.
Mostly because he doesn't want to be doing any of that anywhere near any of their friends.
"Scott and Allison are in that class," Stiles tells him, hand still resting on Derek's knee. "So are Lydia and Jackson. And sometimes Danny is there too. You know, when he finds out someone's been hitting on his man."
Stiles figures he'd do the same thing if Derek was a yoga instructor and had people staring at him in tight clothes and stretching all day.
So he can't really blame Danny for sometimes showing up and making it clear to everyone that Ethan is in a committed relationship with a Hawaiian prince that has dimples when he smiles and abs to die for.
Derek presses his lips together, glancing at Stiles from the corner of his eye.
"Do you-," Derek starts, stops, scrunches his nose up before smoothing his expression back again. "Do you want to be in that class?"
Stiles makes a noise in the back of his throat at the thought of him and Derek and yoga, shifting in place so he can lean against Derek's side, Derek throwing an arm around his shoulder and pulling him closer.
The argument of not wanting to be anywhere near people they know, let alone strangers, when they get that close together still stands, so as fun and funny as Stiles thinks it'd be to go to a yoga class with Derek, he doesn't really want to.
But Derek is the one who brought up the subject, so Stiles feels like he has to ask for his opinion before shutting that idea down.
"Do you want to?"
Derek blinks at him, face blank in a way that tells Stiles he's freaking out for not hearing an immediate fuck no from him.
Well, that's his answer.
"Because I don't," Stiles tells him. "I think we already have enough to deal with when it comes to our friends being friends that we don't need to add spending extra time with them doing yoga to the equation," and then wrinkling his nose, "And I'm also not really good with the whole breathing thing and holding the same position for more than five minutes."
Derek lets out a deep breath, lips tugging up as he leans in and rubs their noses together, "Good, because I don't own a pair of yoga pants."
Stiles' mouth dries when the image of Derek wearing yoga pants comes to mind, "Oh."
Derek looks at him like he knows exactly what Stiles is thinking, eyes narrowing as he says, "No."
Stiles purses his lips together, smiling softly when Derek leans in to kiss him, short and sweet.
"No yoga pants," Derek tells him, breath ghosting over Stiles' parted lips. "And no yoga classes either."
"'S alright," Stiles squeezes Derek's knee. "Guess you in sweatpants lying on the couch will have to do."
Derek snorts, placing a kiss on the corner of Stiles' mouth before pulling back.
"Are you ever going to get a tv?" Stiles asks as his eyes sweep over Derek's empty living room slash bedroom.
Not that it bothers him hanging around at the loft without having any form of entertainment besides Derek's kisses, but still.
Sometimes a little background noise is good.
Or, you know, having something else to focus on besides Derek when all he can think about is putting Derek's bed to good use.
And when they've already finished making dinner and eating and Stiles can't pretend to be super interested in stirring sauce or washing the dishes.
"I don't know," Derek sighs. "I've- I'll maybe leave that to Isaac and Cora. If they want to. Because I've been thinking of getting a new place. Just for myself."
Stiles looks at Derek from under his lashes, lips curling into a soft smile, "Yeah?"
Derek has mentioned this already, the idea of maybe having a place of his own and leaving the loft for Cora and Isaac, but this is the first time he's brought it up since then.
Stiles wonders if this has anything to do with his therapy sessions; if he's being encouraged or just feeling encouraged about getting a place that's just his, a place that it can be his home, a fresh start for himself.
Whatever the reason is, Stiles approves.
And not just because this means they'll be able to hang out at Derek's place without running the risk of walking in on people fucking or being interrupted themselves when they're doing something.
Even if that something is just cuddling on the couch.
Much like they're doing right now.
Since they haven't actually, you know, fucked.
Stiles thinks it'll be good for Derek to put a little distance between himself and his family, to learn how to be by himself again.
Because as much as Stiles understands that the reason Derek's friends and family are always around is because when they weren't Derek got hurt, Derek needs to get his sense of independence back.
And getting a place somewhere else that's just his is a great starting point.
Derek nods, "Yeah. Maybe before the year ends. I don't know."
Stiles bites down on his lower lip, knowing Derek is trying to downplay how much of a big deal this is.
"Well," Stiles says, rubbing his cheek against Derek's shoulder. "Just let me know if you need help looking for a place. I'll gladly give you Lydia's number."
"Lydia?"
"She's good at this real estate stuff."
"Real estate stuff," Derek deadpans, and Stiles' lips twitch.
"She's the one who found me my apartment," Stiles tells him. "She's really good at taking one look at a space and knowing exactly how things works or how to make things work for what you need. That's what makes her so good at apartment hunting."
"And heart surgery," Derek adds.
"It's like you're best friends already," Stiles smiles up at him, humming when Derek leans in to brush their lips together.
"The best," Derek says dryly, nipping at Stiles' bottom lip before pulling back.
"But really," Stiles pokes him in the ribs with a finger. "Let me know if I can do anything to help. If getting a new place is something you end up seriously considering."
Nevermind that they both know that Derek even bringing it up means he's already seriously considering it.
"I will," Derek says, eyes intent on Stiles' face. "Thank you."
"No problem, big guy," Stiles tells him. "I like being here for you."
Derek doesn't say anything to that, just keeps on staring, eyes raking over Stiles' face as if he can't quite believe he gets to have this.
So Stiles closes the distance between them, catching Derek's lips in a slow and deep kiss, trying to show him that this is it, that this is real, that he's here and he's not going anywhere, and that yes, Derek gets to have all of this.
For as long as he wants to.
Derek brings a hand to cup Stiles' jaw, keeping him in place as Stiles licks past the seam of his lips and into his mouth, their tongues tangling together, tasting each other.
When they break apart it's only to kiss each other again, close-mouthed this time, once, twice, three times, until they're smiling into each other's mouths and their teeth are clinking together.
"Please tell me your new place will have a tv, though. I miss watching Criminal Minds with you."
Derek shakes his head at him, eyes glinting, "I'll see what I can do."
Stiles kisses one more time before settling back against his side, sighing contentedly.
Especially when Derek starts scratching his nails against Stiles' scalp, his cheek resting against the top of Stiles' head, chest rising and falling with each breath.
They stay like that for a while, long enough for Stiles' eyes to start dropping, his mind hazy as he throws an arm around Derek's stomach, snuggling closer.
The only reason he doesn't fall asleep right there is because Derek's voice cuts through the silence, startling the fuck out of him.
"Allison tried to apologize to me."
Stiles sits up so fast he almost slides right off the couch, Derek grabbing a hold of his arm being the only thing that keeps him where he is.
"She did what?" Stiles asks, staring at him with wide eyes.
They haven't talked about this yet, about what happened at the Halloween Party.
Stiles figured he'd let Derek take his time until he was ready to tell him about it, he just didn't think it'd happen this soon.
Or this abruptly.
Derek just presses his lips together and pulls Stiles down, rearranging them on the couch until they're lying side by side, Stiles between the back of the couch and Derek's chest, their legs tangled together, Derek's arm thrown over his waist and his face buried against Stiles' neck.
Stiles holds him close, lips pressed to Derek's forehead and fingers running through his hair as he waits for Derek to say something again.
"Allison tried to apologize to me," Derek says again. "When we were in the bar's kitchen. About- About what Kate- About everything that happened. What Kate did. She tried to say she was sorry. Like it was all her fault Kate was- Like she had anything to do with it."
Derek burrows even closer, pressing himself tightly to Stiles' body as if trying to disappear.
"I don't- I-," Derek stops, taking a deep breath. "I know I didn't have the best reaction when I met her, but I never blamed her for anything. I know she's not- I know that sharing a last name doesn't make them the same person, and I told her that. I told her that she doesn't have to apologize to me for something her aunt did, and that- That I'm sorry. I'm sorry she had to go through the same thing."
Stiles closes his eyes, because he's sorry too.
"We talked a little," Derek slides, a hand under Stiles' shirt, pressing his warm palm against the small of his back. "Not really about what happened but- She understands. How I feel sometimes. She's- I- She said she hoped we could be friends. Not just because I'm dating one of her best friends but- But because she'd like to get to know me."
Stiles smiles at that, making sure to let Allison know how fucking awesome she is.
Probably by inviting her to come over and eat sushi again.
"I said I'd- I said I'd like that too," Derek says quietly, but Stiles can feel Derek's lips form a small smile against his skin. "That maybe we could meet again somewhere else, somewhere quiet. To sit down and talk about things. Just us."
Stiles hugs Derek closer, because he knows this is a good thing.
Not only because Allison is one of Stiles' best friends and Derek is his boyfriend, but because Allison has first-hand experience with what Derek went through.
Not only that, but she used to know and love Kate.
Just like Derek did.
What Kate did to them was horrible, but that doesn't change or erase the way they felt about her, and Stiles thinks it might be a good thing for both of them to talk about it, talk about her.
"She gave me her number," Derek says. "Told me to text her whenever I wanted us to meet somewhere. Or if I just wanted to talk to someone. That- That you were like a brother to her, like family, and that now that extended to me as well. If it- If it was okay with me for her to see me that way, too."
Now Stiles understands the comment Allison made at the party, and by Derek's reaction to it he knows Derek is fine with that.
At least when it comes to her thinking of him that way.
And it says something about how much Stiles has come to know Derek that the next words out of his mouth are basically just that.
"I told her it might take a while," Derek says, sliding down on the couch so he can nuzzle at Stiles' collarbone. "That it was okay for her to- But that it'll take some time for me to feel the same way about her. If I'd feel that way at all. Not because of who she is, but because I don't really- I don't trust easily."
Stiles buries his nose in Derek's hair, breathing him in, because Derek having a hard time trusting people is the understatement of the year.
And it surprises him to have Derek be this honest with Allison from the get go, this open about what he's thinking and feeling without being afraid of having it thrown back in his face later.
He tries not to feel hurt about that, chalking it up to Derek feeling more comfortable around Allison because of what Stiles told him she went through.
It helps when Derek keeps going and says, "I trust you. I know- That means a lot to me. Feeling that way about someone. And I know you love Allison and trust her. That helps me. Keeping that in mind matters when talking to her. I don't- I can't say we'll be the best of friends or if I'll ever come to think of her as family to me, but I know that- I know that I'm okay being around her."
Stiles places a kiss on the top of Derek's head, voice low when he says, "That's good, baby. Really good."
"She hugged me," Derek tells him in a tone that shows he's equal parts confused and touched by the gesture. "After we were done speaking. She said- She told me she knew what she was doing was weird and kind of awkward but- But it felt like something she had to do. And that I didn't need to hug her back if I didn't want to. She wouldn't hold it against me. Not after- Not after everything."
Stiles chuckles at the image of a very confused and awkward Derek not knowing what to do while Allison clung to him, but he already knows what came out of that situation, "But you hugged her back."
"I-," Derek stops, clears his throat. "I know it mustn't have been easy for her to come talk to me, knowing what she knows. But she did. She's nice. She- She's not Kate. Not even close. And I- I don't know if I like her yet, but it's getting there."
Stiles bites down on his bottom lip to keep himself from grinning, happy to know that Derek is willing to give Allison a chance.
He gets that it's hard for Derek to let himself open up to someone with the last name Argent, no matter if they have absolutely nothing to do with Kate anymore, because the memory of what she did is still too fresh in his mind.
And as much as Stiles wants and hopes them to be friends, he's not going to push.
The same way he hopes Derek won't push him when it comes to him being anywhere near Peter for long periods of time.
Dude makes him uncomfortable.
"I'm glad you two had that time to talk," Stiles tells him, tugging lightly at Derek's hair, and then trying to make light of the heavy mood between them. "And before you go ahead with this friendship plan with Allison, I feel like I should tell you something."
Derek pulls back to frown up at him, looking a little bit scared at whatever it is Stiles might want to say to him, "What is it?"
Stiles leans in, kissing the place between Derek's brows and smiling softly when Derek's expression smooths out.
Not that it makes Derek not look kind of scared anymore.
And not that Stiles helps when says in the most serious tone he can muster, "Being friends with Allison will probably involve going on double dates with her and Scott at some point."
Derek blinks at him.
Stiles blinks back.
"Double dates?" Derek gulps, pressing his lips together.
"Yep," Stiles nods, and then gives the final blow, "And by double dates I mean bowling."
To: Derek
erica stopped by the firehouse to pick jackson up because apparently they have a weekly dinner date now?
To: Derek
anyways she told me to tell you she forgot to fill in the paperwork for the guy with the blue vw and ask if you'll do it pretty pls
From: Derek
Why didn't she text me herself?
From: Derek
And no.
To: Derek
she said she figured she'd have better luck if she got me to ask you
To: Derek
something about how you can't resist my charms and pretty innocent bambi eyes
To: Derek
i resent that btw there's nothing innocent about the way i look
From: Derek
…
From: Derek
Tell her the papers will be waiting for her when she comes in tomorrow.
From: Derek
And are we still on for this weekend?
To: Derek
yep
To: Derek
allison will kill us if we don't find scott a new ride
To: Derek
you and isaac meeting us there?
From: Derek
We will.
To: Derek
okay boo gotta go back to work now see you two then xx 3
From: Derek
I'll call you later.
From: Derek
3
"Where's Allison?"
"She's not feeling so good," Scott sighs, buckling his seatbelt. "We went to dinner with her dad last night at this new restaurant and today she woke up hurling her guts out."
"Nice," Stiles wrinkles his nose, driving off. "She okay?"
"Yeah," Scott nods. "She's just tired. I told her we should call my mom to make sure, but you know what she's like."
Stiles rolls her eyes, "She and Lydia should know that just because they're doctors doesn't mean they can diagnose themselves."
Scott's lips curl up when he turns to look at Stiles, "It kind of does, though."
Stiles takes his hand off the steering wheel for a second in favor of punching Scott in the arm, "You know what I mean."
"No hitting your brother!" Scott protests through a grin. "And yeah, I do. But try telling her that."
"Yeah," Stiles shakes his head. "No, thanks. I'm not afraid to admit that Ally could kick my ass if she wanted to."
"She could kick all our asses," Scott says, tone laced with pride.
And it's with that in mind that Stiles asks, "So you're ready to say bye to your shitty bike?"
Scott is the one who punches this time, yelling out, "My bike isn't shitty!"
Stiles laughs, remembering the day Scott rode to school in the green dirt bike, how happy he looked after taking off his helmet and waving at Stiles from the parking lot, how proud to have saved up enough money to be able to buy it without his mom's help.
Not Mrs. McCall would have given him any money for it, not with the number of people she saw go through the ER because of bike related accidents.
But not that Scott listened to her protests, anyway.
And Stiles understands Scott reluctance to get rid of it - Stiles still drives his mom's Jeep, he knows he doesn't have any room to talk - but he figures it's time for Scott to find something else, something newer and safer and that won't put Allison in any danger when they're driving around.
That's what Stiles tells himself whenever his dad asks him when he's going to trade the Jeep in, that if it's just him that's going to be in it most of the time then he doesn't have to worry about saying goodbye to it just yet.
He gets the feeling he's going to have to reconsider that one soon.
Because of, you know, Derek.
"Keep telling yourself that, buddy," Stiles smiles, glancing at Scott from the corner of his eye.
"I will," Scott sniffs. "And I promised Allison I'd do it. As long as Isaac and Derek help me find something."
"They will," Stiles tells him. "I know Derek's been riding since forever and that Isaac is really good at this stuff, so you're in good hands."
"I know, man. I'm not worried," Scott says, and Stiles can feel Scott's eyes on him. "What I don't know is why you're coming along."
"Dude. Scott. My bro," Stiles shakes his head at him, lips forming a smirk. "Derek. And bikes. And Derek standing near bikes. And possibly touching them. And getting that cute little frown he gets whenever he's thinking really hard about something. Looking hot."
"So what you mean is that this is like porn to you," Scott says flatly.
"Exactly," Stiles beams at him, laughing at the disgusted look on Scott's face.
"I'm ditching you for Isaac as soon as we get there, just so you know."
"That's okay," Stiles clicks his tongue. "I don't mind."
"Because Derek."
"Yep," Stiles says, smile turning soft. "Because Derek."
Scott makes good on his threat and walks off with Isaac as soon as they arrive, stopping only to give Derek a quick hug hello.
Derek watches after Isaac and Scott with his eyebrows raised, giving Stiles a peck on the lips when Stiles leans into his space.
"Is there a reason why Scott got rid of you so quickly?" Derek asks him, taking Stiles' hand in his and walking after the other two.
Stiles nods, batting his lashes, "Scott can't handle how into each other we are."
He pointedly doesn't say anything about how what Scott can't really handle is how much Stiles loves Derek - not that Scott can't say anything about it when he's half of the epic love between Scott and Allison -, but by the way Derek's eyes linger on his face he thinks Derek might have an idea about what he means.
Not that Derek says anything about it, too, settling for rubbing his thumb over the back of Stiles' hand and giving him a soft smile
"Too bad I don't really want to change his mind," Derek says, letting go of Stiles' hand in favor of wrapping an arm around his shoulder when Stiles bumps their hips together.
"Neither do I," Stiles tells him, turning his head so he can nuzzle Derek's cheek. "I happen to like how into each other we are. It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. No way I'm giving that up."
Derek looks at him, their noses bumping together, his cheeks flushing when he murmurs, "Good."
"Are you two done with the public displays of affection? Because we got stuff to do."
Derek breaks Stiles' gaze in turn to glare at Isaac, eyes narrowing further when all Isaac does is smirk at him, arms crossed over his chest.
"Yeah, dude," Scott says to Stiles. "I don't want to have to tell Ally that the reason why we didn't find anything was because you couldn't keep your hands to yourself."
"Fine," Stiles huffs, but not before he sticks his tongue out at Scott. "Isaac and Derek lead the way. You guys know I'm only here for the eye candy."
Both Isaac and Scott stare blankly at him, while Derek ducks his head and presses his lips together, as if trying to will the blush away from his face.
Which is why Stiles adds, unconvincing, "Because it's not everyday a guy sees these many gorgeous bikes in the same place."
Scott rolls his eyes, Isaac shaking his head at him like he doesn't quite know what to do with him, a smile playing on his lips.
Derek, for his turn, clears his throat and says, "We should probably get moving then."
Stiles bites down on his bottom lip to keep himself from smiling.
He'll always fail at not finding Derek's shyness adorable.
And he figures there are worse ways to live.
They do get moving, especially when a salesman comes up to them asking if there's anything he can help them with, not that there's much for him to do with Isaac and Derek there.
Isaac being Scott's mechanic helps them a lot, with him having a pretty good idea of how Scott uses the bike and what would be a better fit for him when buying a new one. And Derek has the experience of being around bikes since he could barely walk, chiming in every now and again while Scott, Isaac, and the salesman talk.
Stiles mostly just stands around looking handsome, thank you very much, his hand entwined with Derek's, letting himself get lost in his own thoughts while listening to his friends' voices.
Scott and Derek haven't really seen or interacted with each other much since Stiles and Derek started dating, but it's easy to see by the way they act around and talk to each other that they're both in the path of becoming friends.
Some of that ease definitely has to do with Allison and what Scott knows Derek's been through, but he thinks that most of it comes from Isaac knowing them both and being good friends with Derek.
It definitely means something to Derek that someone he trusts and considers a member of his family already gave Scott their seal of approval, Scott being best friends with Stiles aside.
And, you know, it also means a lot to Stiles having his best buddy in the whole wide world to be on good terms with his boyfriend.
Since Stiles plans to have Derek around for a really long time.
And by that he means forever.
If everything goes according to plan.
And if Derek is okay with that, too.
They spend close to three hours there, Isaac and Scott deciding between two bikes and Scott asking if it's okay for him to take pictures so he can show it to his girlfriend and get her opinion on which one he should get.
That leads him to going on a tangent about how amazing Allison is and how the only reason why she's not here is because she's feeling a bit under the weather, Stiles having to intervene and tell him to do what he has to do when the salesman starts looking a little bit put off at how much Scott keeps talking about her.
Isaac comes to stand by Stiles and Derek while Scott calls Allison, hands in his pockets and a hesitant smile on his face as he stares at them.
Derek doesn't say anything to him, just arches an eyebrow, lips curling up in a faint smile.
"You guys have plans after this?" Isaac asks, rocking back on his heels.
Derek tilts his head to Stiles, who shakes his head and answers, "Not really, why? You got something in mind?"
Isaac shrugs, looking at them from under his lashes, "Maybe we could grab something to eat? The four of us?"
Stiles blinks at him, but at feeling Derek squeezing his hand he smiles, "Sure. I could eat. All the time really. And Scott's no different. Especially after we've just spent hours working our heads trying to find a decent ride for Scott."
"Like you did anything," Scott says from behind him, poking Stiles in the ribs and then turning to Isaac. "I feel like burgers."
Isaac grins when Stiles and Derek nod their agreement before turning to Scott, "You know what you're getting?"
"Oh, yeah," Scott says excitedly, grabbing Isaac by the wrist and dragging him to one of their top choices.
Stiles waits for them to be out of earshot before looking at Derek, "Is everything okay with Isaac?"
Not that Stiles doesn't think it's a good thing that Isaac invited them all to eat, because it is, it's just that the uncertainty evident on him makes Stiles wonders if something's up.
"Yeah," Derek breathes out, leaning in so he can rub their noses together before placing a kiss on the corner of Stiles' mouth. "He's just- It wasn't- Making friends is not an easy thing for him. With how- With everything that happened with his dad and how he grew up. Cora likes to say he's kind of awkward when it comes being around people and that's why he gets along so well with all of us."
Stiles can't help but snort at that, because if there's one thing the Hales all have in common is how awkward they can make any and all social situations just by being themselves.
"I guess that's why he sounded unsure," Derek keeps going. "Because he wants him and Scott to be friends and he doesn't want to screw anything up."
"Hey," Stiles frowns. "What about me?"
Derek rolls his eyes, pitching his voice low in a way that means he's about to say something incredibly sweet and sappy.
"You're with me and it's not like I'm letting you go. He doesn't have to try because he knows you're family already."
Stiles' jaw goes slack as he stands there gaping at Derek, who just presses his lips together and pretends he didn't say anything significant while the back of his neck and his cheeks turn pink.
As much as Stiles wants to tell Derek that it's the same for me and I'm not going anywhere and possibly fuck you for being so fucking amazing, he freezes at the weight of Derek's remark, the words dying in his throat, impossible to get out.
But he knows Derek responds to action as much as he responds to Stiles saying whatever it is on his mind, so Stiles doesn't waste any time to let go of Derek's hand so he can wrap his arms around his boyfriend's shoulders, burying his face against the side of Derek's neck and hugging him tight.
Derek gets his arms around Stiles' waist under his jacket, one hand rubbing circles over his back, Derek's lips finding their way to Stiles' jaw, his cheek, butterfly kisses being placed over his skin when Stiles lifts his head as he tries not to tear up at how much he's feeling right now.
And when Derek kisses the corner of Stiles' lips, Stiles turns his head to slot their mouths together, pouring everything he can't bring himself to say just yet into it, lips moving slowly against Derek's own and breath hitching when Derek pulls Stiles tighter against him, deepening the kiss.
Stiles doesn't know how long they stand there, trying to convey how much they care about each other in just one kiss, but he knows that what brings them apart is the sound of someone clearing his throat.
Loudly.
"Not that I'm not happy about how well your relationship is going," Scott says flatly, giving both Derek and Stiles an unimpressed look. "But can you not?"
"Sorry," Stiles mouths at him, still feeling kind of overwhelmed to bother telling Scott he's in no position to complain about Stiles' public displays of affection.
Not after everything Stiles had to endure when Scott and Allison started dating.
Derek is the one who surprises them, though, arms still firmly around Stiles' waist as he looks From Stiles to Scott and back again, shrugs, and says, "Nope."
Isaac brings up a hand to cover his eyes, shoulders shaking as he starts laughing, not seeing Scott gape at Derek and Stiles drop his head on Derek's shoulder and snicker.
Derek, for his turn, looks incredibly proud of himself, lips twitching minutely as he tries to keep himself from smiling or laughing with Isaac.
Scott snaps his mouth back shut with a click, shaking his head at them, his eyes glinting and telling Stiles he's more amused than mad by their behavior.
"Did you get what you came here for?" Stiles asks, turning in Derek's arms so his back is to Derek's chest, hands coming to rest over Derek's.
"I did," Scott nods. "We got everything settled while you were busy standing here and making out."
"It's good to know both of us used our time wisely," Stiles says with all the seriousness he can muster.
Which is not a lot, especially when he can feel Derek's chest shaking against his back as he silently laughs.
Scott rolls his eyes, turning to Isaac and knocking their elbows together, "You here with the car?"
Isaac nods, a small smile playing on his lips, "You also don't want to have to hear one of those two babble about how much the like each other?"
Stiles gasps, affronted, "Like you two have any room to talk."
Scott and Isaac just grin at him, Isaac's grin turning into a pleased smile when Scott throws an arm around his shoulders and starts walking saying, "Let's go, dude. If we're lucky I'll get to eat my curly fries because Stiles will be too busy making out with Derek in the parking lot to have time to steal some."
Stiles sputters, staring after them as Scott leads Isaac back to where their cars are parked without a glance back in Stiles and Derek's direction.
"Well," Stiles huffs. "That was rude."
Derek kisses Stiles' shoulder over his jacket, letting his arms fall from around Stiles' waist in order to secure a hand around his wrist and tug him forward.
"C'mon," Derek says, hand sliding down so he can thread his fingers through Stiles'. "I'm sure we can get back at them by being obnoxiously affectionate in public."
"I thought we were already doing that," Stiles says, looking at Derek with big and innocent eyes.
Not that Derek doesn't already know there's nothing innocent about the way Stiles looks.
"I think we have room for improvement," Derek tells him, voice low.
Stiles swallows hard.
And takes a deep calming breath.
You know, to keep himself from jumping Derek in public.
"Let's go, then."
Contrary to what Isaac and Scott might believe, Stiles and Derek don't really talk much as they drive to the closest diner in Stiles' Jeep, enjoying the comfortable silence between them.
They also don't make out in the parking lot, sharing a glance and smirking at each other when they park before climbing out of the car and walking towards the front door, eyes scanning the place until they find Isaac and Scott sharing a booth.
Stiles nudges Derek with his elbow, leaning in close to him to say, "Are they seriously sitting side by side instead of across the table from each other? This is going to be so easy, Derek."
Derek shakes his head, eyes crinkling at the corners when he looks back at Stiles, "I don't think they thought this through."
"Scott probably thought we'd only play footsie or something," Stiles says, and at Derek's questioning look he explains, "That's basically what he does with Allison anytime they go out. And he's not that far off the mark, is he?"
Stiles watches the tips of Derek's ears flush as they both remember one of their early dates, with both of them drinking milkshakes and Derek subtly trying to play footsie with Stiles under the table.
Derek just presses his lips together and blushes even deeper when Stiles chuckles and kisses his cheek, both of them flopping down in front of Isaac and Scott when they get to the booth. They immediately snuggle closer to each other, Derek's arm over Stiles' shoulder and one of Stiles' hand resting on Derek's tigh, much to the disgust of their friends.
Stiles can tell by the twist of Scott's lips and the way he's scrunching up his nose that he definitely did not think this one through.
Stiles just beams.
Scott sticks his tongue out at him.
Isaac tries not to laugh.
And Derek clears his throat, the pink fading from his ears and neck, before saying, "Do you know what you're ordering?"
As it turns out, they don't, but soon they're busying themselves with reading over the menu, choosing what they want to eat, and placing their orders, falling into easy conversation as they wait for their food to arrive.
The subjects range from even more talk about bikes to Stiles and Scott's job at the firehouse to Triskele and to Stiles and Derek trading soft kisses every now and then, smiling to themselves whenever Scott happens to glance at them just as they are brushing their lips together, Scott faltering in the middle of whatever it is he's saying.
"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" Scott narrows his eyes, looking from Stiles to Derek.
Derek is the one who answers before Stiles can, tone completely flat as he says, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Scott blinks at him, kind of taken aback by Derek's answer, while Isaac just goes ahead and laughs, grinning when Scott turns to him with a frown.
"Derek has a weird humor," Isaac tells him, glancing at Derek when he grumbles something that sounds like I do not. "The kind that makes his jokes mostly only funny to him."
Scott's eyes go bright with understanding, mouth quirking up as he says, "Kind of like Stiles."
"Hey," Stiles says, all mock-offense. "I'm hilarious."
"Sure you are," Scott rolls his eyes, ducking when Stiles bunches his napkin into a ball and throws it at his head.
"He is," Derek says lowly, fingers wrapping around Stiles' wrist and tugging at his hand until it lays on Derek's lap, thumb rubbing at the thin skin.
Stiles turns to him, lips forming a smile.
Which is why he misses the soft and happy look on Isaac's face as he stares at them.
That is, until he opens his mouth and says, directly to Derek, "Yeah. It's been a long time since I've seen you smile this much."
The look shared between the two carries the weight of years of friendship between them, of all they've been through together, and it's not lost on either Stiles or Scott how much it means for Isaac to say something like that.
Especially with them being in the know about what's happened in Derek's life these past few years.
They both get that what Isaac is trying to say is that Derek didn't smile as much because he wasn't in a good place, didn't really have a reason to, and it's obvious by the look he has in his eyes that he's happy to see Derek breaking out of that pattern and finding his own happiness.
By the way Derek presses his lips together only for his face to relax and his expression warm, Derek sees it too.
"See?" Stiles turns to Scott, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm funny as shit."
Scott throws his hands up, huffing out an annoyed breath and fooling none of them into thinking he's annoyed.
And Derek twists his head to the side, forehead coming to rest against Stiles' temple as his body shakes with silent laughter, pressing his smile against Stiles' cheek when he gives him a quick kiss.
Their food arrives a few minutes later, Stiles making a point to steal curly fries from Scott's plate when he's busy holding his burger with one hand and his drink with the other.
Only to choke on some when Isaac starts sharing stories about Derek.
Especially of the time he decided to congratulate Laura on passing the bar by breaking into her apartment to make her pancakes, only to end up with flour all over the kitchen and himself when she came from her bedroom holding a bat and scared the shit out of him.
"You wanted to surprise Laura by making her pancakes?" Stiles asks, lips forming a small smile as he watches Derek's jaw work as he tries to hide his embarrassment.
He still answers, though.
"Our dad used to make us pancakes whenever we did something he thought was worth celebrating," Derek tells him, eyes getting that far off look whenever he speaks about his father.
"Cora told me that usually meant they had pancakes every other day or two," Isaac says when Derek falls silent. "Either because Talia won a case or Laura wasn't a smartass in class or Cora ended a day without biting anybody."
And before Stiles can ask, Derek adds, "Or I survived a day without threatening to run off into the woods and live with the animals around the Preserve because Laura was being a meanie. And was trying to dress me up in one of her dresses so she could fill the table at her tea parties."
Stiles closes his eyes slowly, opening them when he has enough control of himself not to burst out laughing when he says, "Please tell me you have pictures of that."
"They do," Isaac pipes up before Derek can deny deny deny.
After that, Scott takes it upon himself to share equal stories about Stiles, having way too much fun with it when he sees the intense look Derek is sending him, as if he's glued to each and every one of Scott's words.
Stiles decides to stop feeling bothered and embarrassed by what Scott's saying and goes on to feeling flattered that Derek's so interested in what his life was like before they met, leaning into him or dropping his hand on Derek's thigh and squeezing it whenever Derek hears something that makes his eyes crinkle at the corners and his expression soften.
They're all having so much fun together that they all blanch a little when Scott mentions they should probably head out, telling both Isaac and Derek about Allison not feeling well and not wanting to leave her alone much longer.
Both Isaac and Derek look concerned at that, telling Scott they hope she gets better and that if he needs anything he shouldn't hesitate to call.
Scott looks surprised at them, but when he gives them a quick hug and thanks them for the offer, the little grateful smile on his face tells them he means it.
And he also takes Stiles' keys from him, giving him a pointed look and saying, "I'll wait for you in the Jeep while you two say goodbye."
"Same here," Isaac says, clasping Stiles on the shoulder. "See you later, yeah?"
"Say hi to Cora for me!" Stiles yells out after him, turning to Derek as Isaac walks in the direction of the Toyota.
Derek watches as Isaac climbs into the car, leaning into Stiles' personal space as soon as they hear the door slam shut, his hands coming to rest on Stiles' hips.
"Hi," Stiles breathes out, wrapping his arms around Derek's shoulders and pulling him close, chest to chest.
"Hey," Derek murmurs, bumping their noses together.
"So that was actually really fun."
"It was," Derek says, giving Stiles' hips a squeeze. "I- We should do it again. I had a good time, and I know Isaac did too."
"Scott and I are definitely up for doing this again," Stiles says, giving Derek a small smile. "You know spending time with you is never a hardship for me."
Derek rolls his eyes, lips tugging up before his expression turns serious, intense eyes locking on Stiles' face.
Stiles is just about to ask if something's wrong when Derek slots their lips together, swallowing Stiles' gasp of surprise with a flick of his tongue, licking his way into Stiles' mouth as Stiles relaxes against him, his hands burying themselves in Derek's hair.
"What was that for?" Stiles asks when Derek pulls back, dazed and a little glassy eyed.
Only for that feeling to double in strength as Derek brings a hand up to cup his cheek and opens his mouth.
"Isaac was right. About- About how I wasn't really- I have a reason now. To smile. You helped me get that back, Stiles," Derek ignores the tears gathering in Stiles' eyes and closes the distance between them, his lips ghosting over Stiles' as he says again, "You helped me get that back."
From: Derek
Can I have Lydia's number?
To: Derek
yeah baby
To: Derek
and if you need my help searching for a place i'm here 3
From: Derek
Thanks, Bunny. 3
"When are people going to learn that being wasted doesn't give them magical flying powers?"
"You already know the answer to that is never," Danny rolls his eyes, getting out of the ambulance. "Let's just be thankful the guy only had a broken arm and not his brains splattered all over his yard from jumping off the roof."
Stiles wrinkles his nose, "Thanks for the mental image."
"That's what I'm here for," Danny says flatly, lips twitching when Stiles makes a face at him.
"At least our shift ended ten minutes ago," Stiles says, rubbing a hand over his face as they walk to their lockers. "No more rescuing people from themselves."
"You have a date with Derek tonight, right?"
"Yeah," Stiles breathes out, smiling. "Well, it's not really a date. He's picking me up and then we're getting groceries so we can make dinner later. And watch a movie. And make out. I should probably text him telling him we're done for the day."
"Good for you," Danny says, his expression turning serious and making Stiles stop mid-way into typing a message to Derek. "Ethan wants me to stop by tonight. He said there's something he wants to talk to me about."
"Did he say what it was?" Stiles frowns, pressing his lips together when Danny shakes his head. "Did something happen between you two?"
"No," Danny sighs, running his fingers through his hair. "Nothing happened. We're good. Better than good, actually. So I have no idea what we should be talking about."
Stiles purses his lips together, finishing typing out his message to Derek and hitting send before turning his complete attention to Danny.
"Maybe," Stiles drawls out, thinking. "Maybe something happened in one of his Yoga classes? Maybe he realized what a dick Jackson really is? Maybe… Maybe he wants to talk to you about your plans for Thanksgiving?"
You know, much like Stiles is avoiding doing with Derek.
Mostly because holidays are not really a big deal for the Stilinskis, considering the person who loved to go all out celebrating is no longer living.
It's a touchy subject for him.
One he needs some time to muster up the courage to bring it up during, let's say, dinner.
Tonight.
And Danny must think that's also a valid reason for Ethan to be anxious and want to talk to him, because he lets out a relieved breath and says, "Fuck, Thanksgiving."
"Yep," Stiles nods vigorously. "Thanksgiving."
"That's still a few weeks away, though."
"Maybe he just wants to make sure so he can let his people know what's gonna happen," Stiles tries. "You know, so the amount of leftovers is not a ridiculous one."
"Thanksgiving leftovers are always ridiculous," Danny reminds him.
"Still," Stiles shrugs. "Maybe that's why."
"Could be," Danny sighs, going back to changing out of his uniform. "I hope it is."
Stiles pats Danny on the back, slipping one of his warmer jackets on and wrapping a scarf around his neck.
"Call me if you need anything, okay?" Stiles tells him as he snaps his locker door shut. "I won't interrupt my date with Derek, but I promise I'll call you back after he leaves."
Danny rolls his eyes so hard Stiles thinks they're going to fall out, lips forming a smile when he says, "I will. Thanks, Stiles."
"And that's what I'm here for," Stiles winks at him, waving goodbye.
He's not surprised to find Derek in the parking lot already, leaning against the side of his car, hands in his pockets, eyes trained to Stiles as he walks.
"Hey," Stiles says when he gets close, grinning when Derek gets his hands on the front of his jacket and pulls him close.
Derek doesn't say hi, choosing to rub their noses together before pecking Stiles on the lips.
"So, what are we making tonight?" Stiles asks once they're in the car, on their way to the grocery store.
"How do you feel about Pizza Sticks?" Derek glances at him, lips quirking up when Stiles gasps.
"I am very fond of them, yes."
So very fond of them that, as soon as they get out of the car, Stiles plasters himself against Derek, getting a hand on the back of Derek's neck so he can bring their mouths together, nipping at Derek's bottom lip before pulling back and grinning.
Derek just raises an eyebrow at him, throwing an arm over Stiles' shoulder and saying, "C'mon, Bunny."
If there's one thing Stiles should have learned since meeting Derek is that, for some reason, going grocery shopping never ends up being just going grocery shopping.
Something bigger than that always ends up happening.
Always.
Case in point being Derek and Stiles rounding the corner of the cereal aisle and bumping their cart into someone else's.
That someone being the Sheriff.
You know, Stiles' dad.
Who hasn't met Derek yet.
And who's now staring at both of them with a look on his face that's equal parts surprise and equal parts what a lovely unforeseen turn of events.
"Stiles," the Sheriff smirks, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Hi, dad," Stiles chokes out, not missing the way Derek goes completely still by his side.
"Well," his dad says, slowly, when Stiles doesn't say anything else. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your boyfriend, son?"
Stiles fists a hand on the back of Derek's jacket, taking a step closer so their sides are touching, and he's glad to feel Derek relax.
Even if it's just an inch.
"Dad, this is my boyfriend, Derek Hale. Not that you don't already know who he is and are friends with his mother," Stiles adds, ignoring the way his dad rolls his eyes at him. "And Derek, this is my dad, the Sheriff of this fine town and person in charge of embarrassing me every chance he gets."
"It's good to meet you, Derek," the Sheriff extends a hand, choosing to ignore everything that came out of Stiles' mouth.
Derek takes the offered hand, giving it a shake as he swallows and says, "You- Uh- You too. Sir."
"I have to say," the Sheriff starts. "I've heard so much about you from Stiles I feel like I know you already."
"Dad," Stiles groans, feeling his cheeks heat.
And also suspecting his dad is purposely taking the attention off of Derek and to Stiles so Derek can relax.
Or maybe he can just be doing this because he takes great pleasure in making his only kid's life hell.
"What?" his dad turns to him, all mock innocence. "It's true. He's all you talk about anymore. That and you nagging me about my dieting is all I ever hear from you. No asking me how I'm doing, no telling me you miss me, no thanking me for letting you eat my food every time you come over for breakfast."
"I'm the one who cooks breakfast!" Stiles protests, turning to glare at Derek when he sees him ducking his head and pressing his lips together so he doesn't smile.
"Now, son," the Sheriff says, giving Stiles a pointed look. "This is not the time or place for us to have this discussion."
Stiles sputters, "You started it."
"See what I have to deal with?" the Sheriff turns to Derek with a playful and fondness filled look, gesturing a hand at Stiles.
Derek is still a little pale, kind of stiff, and a lot amused by what's happening, but he doesn't hesitate to say, "I think it's worth it, sir."
Nevermind that he blushes like crazy afterwards and presses his back against Stiles' hand when he feels Stiles' fingers spasm against the fabric of his jacket.
What's important is that he said it.
In front of Stiles' father.
The Sheriff.
Who seems to appreciate Derek's honesty and guts as he blinks, warmth and surprise and a little bit of pride in his expression.
Stiles has to bite the inside of his cheek not to yell, take that.
Because his boyfriend is awesome.
And now his dad not only knows it, but he's seeing it.
And it looks like he likes what's in front of him, because he drops the teasing tone in his voice and turns serious when he says, "Yes, he is. And it's good to know you see that, son."
Stiles doesn't miss the minute flinch when the Sheriff calls Derek son, and by the way his dad's eyes flash he doesn't miss it either.
Neither does he miss when Stiles presses in even closer to Derek's side, the hand clutching at his clothes now being splayed flat over Derek's back, offering support.
Derek relaxes a little bit more and accepts it.
"I'd have to be an idiot not to, sir," Derek says, voice low and soft, his blush deepening as he makes the effort to hold the Sheriff's gaze after he speaks.
Only to lower his eyes as soon as the Stiles' dad gives him a sharp nod, missing the way the Sheriff turns to his son and beams.
Honest to fuck beams, with a look on his face that tells Stiles he wholeheartedly approves in his choice of love of his fucking life.
All that's missing are the thumbs up, really.
Stiles only manages a shaky grin in return, too busy trying not to swoon.
And possibly make a fool of himself in the middle of the grocery store.
By jumping Derek.
And kissing the fuck out of him.
The Sheriff seems to realize neither Derek nor Stiles can take much more of this tonight, disentangling his cart from theirs and stopping by their side.
"I'll leave you two to your groceries, then," the Sheriff says, reaching out a hand so he can run it over the top of Stiles' head. "Love you, kid."
"You too, dad," Stiles mutters, ducking his head.
"Derek," the Sheriff clasps Derek on the shoulder. "I hope you come around for dinner sometime."
Derek blinks, Stiles lifting his head up so fast he gets a little dizzy.
But before he can say anything Derek nods, an intense and determined look on his face, "I'd like that, sir."
Stiles' dad gives him a small smile, dropping his hand, "And let your mother know I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the opening. As it turns out there are a lot of people getting in trouble during Halloween night, but I'll make sure to stop by the bar this week."
"I'll make sure she knows it."
"Good," the Sheriff says. "See you later, boys."
Both Derek and Stiles watch as the Sheriff walks away, Stiles letting out a breath while Derek slumps against his side in relief.
"Well," Stiles says, swallowing hard. "So that was my dad."
"Yes," Derek says, rubbing a hand over his face. "It was."
"You-," Stiles starts, stops, licks his lips. "The dinner thing- You don't have to if you don't wan-"
"It's okay," Derek interrupts him, shifting on his heels so they're standing face to face. "I- You know my family already. I think it's time I met yours. Officially."
"Even if they're the Sheriff of Beacon Hills and own and know how to use firearms?" Stiles asks, stomach flipping.
"Even then," Derek says, and then backtracks. "Unless you don't want me-"
"I want," Stiles says firmly, bringing his hands up so he can cup Derek's face. "I want. My dad is one of the most important people in my life, and I want you to have dinner with us. I just didn't know if that was something you'd be okay with. At least not right now. But I guess I should have known better than to keep silent and came right out and asked you instead of letting my dad do it for me."
"Probably," Derek says, lips twitching up as he leans into Stiles' touch.
"Yeah, well," Stiles mutters. "I'm new at this."
"I think you're doing great," Derek says, closing the distance between them so he can rub their noses together.
"I think you're biased."
"Maybe," Derek shrugs, smiling when Stiles huffs and brushes their lips together. "Still think you're doing great."
"So while I'm at it," Stiles says nervously, biting down on his bottom lip. "I have something I want to talk to you about."
"Oh?"
"It's nothing bad," Stiles quickly adds when he sees the worried look on Derek's face. "I promise. It's just something I think we should probably discuss. Not here. But during dinner. Or maybe after dessert."
Derek goes from looking worried to staring at Stiles in faint amusement, fingers wrapping themselves against Stiles' wrists and squeezing them gently.
"We should probably go back to the groceries, then."
With one final kiss that's exactly what they set out to do, picking up the rest of the food they need to make Pizza Sticks and paying for everything in record time.
Stiles tries to control his anxiety the closer they get to his apartment, trying to convince himself that talking to Derek about this is not something he needs to worry about.
It doesn't really work.
But Derek doesn't call him on it, acting like he can't see Stiles chewing at his bottom lip or moving his legs up and down or just being generally more twitchy than usual.
It's not until they're done with dinner and the chocolate mint ice cream, sitting on the couch with a quilt thrown over them, that Derek pokes him in the side and says, "Okay. Let's talk."
Stiles sighs, snuggling deeper into Derek's side, grabbing the hand resting on the side of his neck and bringing it to his chest, lacing their fingers together.
"So."
"So."
"How are you doing?" Stiles asks, yelping when Derek nips at the shell of his ear.
"Stop deflecting."
"I'm not," Stiles pouts.
Derek pulls back to give him his most unimpressed look, smirking when Stiles groans and says, "Fine, I am."
"What's going on?"
Stiles takes a deep breath, glancing down at their hands against his chest, the familiar ache that comes whenever Stiles thinks about big family holidays burning sharp.
"Do you have any plans for Thanksgiving?"
Derek must notice his change of mood, because his voice softens when he says, "We don't really have a big Thanksgiving dinner. We've- After everything- We usually just make sure to spend the day at the house together and eat dinner sitting at the table at night. No one really says what they're grateful for anymore. We already know."
Stiles nods, one finger tracing the thick veins on the back of Derek's hand, figuring that after so much loss Derek's family and friends make sure to show their love for each other every single day.
"What about you?"
Stiles licks his lips, burrowing himself closer to Derek.
"We usually go over to the McCall's for dinner, but this year Allison's dad invited them to come over to his house," Stiles tells him, bringing Derek's hand up to his lips and kissing his knuckles when he feels Derek tense. "Dad and I don't do holidays very well. At least not when it's just the two of us. So this year he told me he's gonna have to work, you know, pick up a shift so his deputies can have a chance to spend the night with their families. We'll probably have lunch together, though."
"That's nice of him."
"Right," Stiles breathes out. "It's not like- It's not as bad as it used to be. Like, right after mom died. But it gets a lot harder when this time of the year comes around. We've gotten a lot better at missing her, but it still hurts sometimes."
"I know," Derek says, voice small in a way Stiles doesn't like, in a way that reminds him again that Derek understands what he's feeling better than anyone. "Do you mind me asking how- how it happened? Your mom?"
"Cancer," Stiles says, voice flat. "She was- She was sick for a really long time. A really long time. I was eight when she- Dad was working. There was a really bad car crash and he- I was in the room with her. Alone."
"Fuck, Stiles," Derek whispers, gutted, and Stiles can't bring himself to talk about it anymore.
"Anyway, that's why I asked you," Stiles says, blinking rapidly at the sting in his eyes. "I thought we could- Maybe- But if you're going to be with your family then let's just forget-"
"You're welcomed to stop by the house after lunch with your dad," Derek says, rearranging them so he can look at Stiles in the eye, his face stricken and sad and seeing the grateful look Stiles sends him when he doesn't comment about his mother. "And you're welcomed to stay. If you want to. Because I know I want you to. I bet the rest of my family feels the same way. And god knows my mom will probably send you back home with a month's worth of leftovers and an invitation to come back whenever you'd like."
"Really?" Stiles asks, voice cracking.
"Really," Derek nods, eyes warm. "Is that all you wanted to talk about?"
"That apparently I'm going to be having Thanksgiving dinner at your house?" Stiles says, swallowing hard when Derek nods, and then deciding to lighten the mood by doing what he does best. "Pretty much, yeah. Why? Wanna make out?"
Derek snorts, and Stiles' stomach flips when Derek doesn't hesitate to close the distance between them, swallowing Stiles' choked-up laugh with his lips.
a/n: right so.
some time ago i told you guys i planned for this story to have around 15 chapters? WELL, that's not gonna be quite true anymore. i'm gonna go over that number. the story will reach over 200k words (probably), but hopefully not over 20 chapters. so thank you to everyone who's still here and reading and reviewing and adding this story to your favorites and just being the best ~