Stiles smiles.
Really, he can't help it.
He can't help the way the corners of his lips curl up when he opens his eyes and sees Derek's sleeping face a few inches from his own, Derek's mouth parted and brows soft and hair sticking up everywhere like someone kept running their fingers through it.
That someone being Stiles.
You know, last night.
When they had sex for the first time.
With each other.
So really, Stiles can't help feeling warm and happy and satisfied and smile at how fucking wonderful his life is.
Especially not when Derek's nose scrunches up and his eyelids flutter open as he wakes.
And that the first thing he does when he focuses on Stiles is to smile back, small and soft, before pressing his face against the middle of Stiles' chest and murmur, "Morning."
"Hi," Stiles breathes out, bringing a hand up to cup the back of Derek's neck, lips pressing against Derek's forehead. "You okay?"
He feels Derek nod, cheek rubbing against Stiles' shirt, "Yeah, I'm okay."
Stiles pulls him closer, fingers sliding into Derek's hair, "With everything that happened yesterday, too?"
And Stiles has to ask, has to make sure Derek is still on board with what they did yesterday and that he doesn't regret anything that happened between them.
Because Derek has a bad history with being in a sexual relationship with someone, and Stiles doesn't want to bring anything from that into what they have now.
So he figures the best thing he can do is ask him about it and confirm that Derek still is one hundred percent aboard the sexytimes train ride with Stiles.
Which it looks like he is, if judging by the way Derek tips his head up so he can start placing kisses on Stiles' throat, stopping to mouth at the hickey on Stiles' collarbone.
Derek uses his words, though, always knowing Stiles needs to hear them.
"Yes," Derek says, teeth raking over Stiles' neck. "More than okay."
Stiles lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, relaxing into the mattress as he tilts his head back to give Derek more access.
"That's-," Stiles starts, stops, swallows when he feels lips at his pulse point. "That feels really good."
And so does the smirk Derek presses into Stiles' skin before lifting his head up to kiss him.
And the thigh being shoved between Stiles' legs.
And Derek's hard on bumping against Stiles' hip.
But what feels even better is when Stiles braces himself and flips them over, Derek spread out under him, a look on his face like he doesn't really know how he got there but he's more than okay with this turn of events.
Especially when Stiles grinds down at the same time he catches Derek's lips in a kiss, hips rolling in small circles as he tastes Derek, morning breath and all.
That is until he feels a heavy weight settling down on the bed beside them.
A heavy weight that hisses when Stiles freezes and turns his head to the side.
"Oh my god," Stiles squeaks, keeping still and trying not to make any sudden movements that'll cause Lucifer to try and scratch his eyes out.
"I thought you closed the door," Derek grumbles, eyes narrowing as he looks at the cat.
"I did," Stiles hisses. "The door was closed. I made sure of it since I didn't want any repeat performances of your family members catching us in bed together."
They both continue to stare at Lucifer, who's traded hissing at them in favor of lounging around in Derek's bed and playing with a loose thread in one of the blankets.
Stiles has to admit he actually looks kind of cute.
"I told you he wasn't a good cat," Derek says, voice low.
"Is this payback for something you did to him?" Stiles asks Derek, lips pursed. "Interrupt sexytimes because of that time you tried to leave him with Peter, and now this is how he gets his revenge? By cockblocking us?"
"I didn't try to leave him with Peter," Derek mumbles, brows furrowed.
"You just conveniently forgot him at Peter's apartment when you stopped by to leave some papers for the garage?" Stiles raises both eyebrows at him. "Right."
Derek huffs, side-eyeing Lucifer.
"At least he's not sitting on my head and trying to suffocate me this time."
Stiles closes his eyes and presses his lips together, trying not to make the obvious comment that, if it wasn't for Derek's grudge against the cat and Lucifer's mission in life to make Derek miserable, Stiles probably would be the one sitting on Derek's face right now.
He just lets out a sigh and looks at Lucifer again, tilting his head to the side as Lucifer continues to try and destroy Derek's blanket.
"Do you think he'll attack us if we try to get up?"
Derek blinks up at him, as if considering, before saying, "I think the odds are not in our favor."
"They never are," Stiles murmurs, turning to look at Derek. "Want to take a chance anyway?"
Something flashes in Derek's eyes, gone too quickly for Stiles to make any sense of it, before his face softens and he leans in to peck Stiles' on the lips, "Yes, I do."
And as it turns out, Lucifer doesn't attack them.
Stiles just gets his feet tangled on the blankets and he and Derek crash down on the floor in a tangle of limbs, their bodies shaking as they laugh, Derek pressing his smile against Stiles' own when they kiss.
Until Laura barges into the room to see what all the noise is about.
To: Derek
my dad officially invited mrs mccall to move in!
To: Derek
so that means i'm gonna be on moving duty for the foreseeable future and won't be able to accompany you in your search for a new place to live
To: Derek
try not to kill anyone xoxo
"Please tell me this is what I think it is."
"I don't know," Danny drawls out, dimples showing. "What do you think it is?"
Stiles makes a strangled sound, pointing a finger at Danny. "This is not the time to play games, Danny Mahealani."
Danny just grins wider at him.
"Then this is not my dad's Macadamia Nut tart," Danny shrugs, looking down at the plate in his hands.
He doesn't have the time to do or say anything more than that because Stiles is throwing himself at him, hands plucking the plate from Danny and holding it tightly to his chest.
"Shhh, it's okay," Stiles coos down at the tart, own lips twitches. "No one can come between us now."
Stiles hears Danny snort, and when he looks up is to see his friend shaking his head at him.
"Your relationship with my dad's food is not a healthy one," Danny comments, making Stiles gasp, all mock offense.
"Excuse you," Stiles says. "There's nothing wrong with the way we love each other!"
Danny rolls his eyes, grin still firmly in place.
"Now that I've paid my fees, are you going to invite me in?"
"You don't need an invite," Stiles says, stepping aside to let Danny into his apartment. "But what did I do to win the pleasure of your company?"
"Can't a friend just bring another friend pie in peace?" Danny asks tentatively, flopping down on Stiles' couch.
Stiles arches an eyebrow at that, not even bothering to say anything.
It's not like Danny doesn't hang out at his place every once in a while, but he usually just lets himself in without knocking first.
You know, like the rest of Stiles' friends.
So it's a pretty clear indicator that this is not just a friendly visit when Danny rings the bell and waits for Stiles to let him inside.
"Is this about Thanksgiving with your boyfriend?" Stiles throws over his shoulder as he walks to the kitchen to grab a fork. "Did the dick twin brother do something wrong? Do I have to call Jackson so we can go kick some ass?"
"He's not much of a dick," Danny says when Stiles sits down. "Surprisingly."
Stiles stops halfway to sticking his fork into the pie, blinking at Danny.
"So you met him. When he actually showed up to have lunch with you and Ethan."
Danny nods, settling back into the couch and resting his feet on Stiles' coffee table.
"He apologized about not making it the other time," Danny tells him, watching in sick fascination as Stiles starts stuffing his face with pie. "Something about how he had to work. Not that he told us anything about what he does or why it was so important he had to miss dinner. But aside from that he was a really nice person. Kind of angry and mysterious, but nice."
"Kind of angry and mysterious," Stiles says flatly.
"He did threaten to make me disappear if I ever hurt Ethan," Danny tells him, lips tugging up as if he approves of that. "So that goes for the angry part. And the mysterious one is because he offered little to no information about his life right now. But I figured it wasn't my place to go poking around in his life if he didn't want to share and Ethan wasn't worried, so it's not like I asked him about it."
"I'd offer to get my dad on him," Stiles says, shrugging. "But I know that if you were really worried you'd just use your amazing hacking skills and see what's up with him."
"True," Danny sighs, giving him a sheepish smile when Stiles bumps their knees together.
"And what did your family think of Ethan?" Stiles asks, grinning.
Danny groans, trying to hide his pleased smile when he scrubs a hand over his face, "They think he's about the best thing that's ever happened to me."
"I'll try not to take offense to that," Stiles sniffs.
"Go back to your pie," Danny says, giving Stiles an unimpressed look. "Grandma was pretty taken by him."
"And by that you mean she's already planning your Hawaiian wedding."
"Pretty much, yeah," Danny nods, cheeks turning pink.
Stiles smiles softly at him, "I'm happy for you."
"Thanks, Stilinski," Danny says quietly, and then wiggles his eyebrows. "And how about you and Derek?"
Stiles is not proud of the way he blushes at that.
Mostly because that tells Danny exactly just how amazing things are between him and Derek.
And Danny picks up on that, lips stretching in a sharp smile, eyes glinting in appreciation as he says, "Oh, really?"
"Shut up," Stiles snaps, looking down at his pie.
Danny doesn't say anything for a few seconds, Stiles filling the silence by chewing obnoxiously loud as he continues to eat.
That is until he feels a hand on his shoulder, Danny leaning into his side as he says, "I'm happy for you, too."
Stiles pats the back of Danny's hand and smiles around his mouthful of food, and he doesn't even complain when Danny steals his fork.
And eats about half the pie all by himself.
From: Derek
Cora told me she saw your dad and Mrs. McCall at the bar tonight. Something about them celebrating the move.
From: Derek
She also told me Mrs. McCall made sure he didn't order fries with his burger.
To: Derek
mrs mccall is so getting something expensive for xmas this year
To: Derek
and so is your sister
From: Derek
And what am I getting?
To: Derek
this is where i prove to you i'm a mature individual and don't make the obvious dick joke
From: Derek
I wouldn't mind.
To: Derek
i'm
To: Derek
you
To: Derek
that's
To: Derek
that's actually good to know
"Do they all know where they're going?"
"Yes, Stiles," Derek sighs. "I texted them the directions before we left. Twenty minutes ago."
"Good," Stiles says, fingers tapping against the steering wheel. "Because I wouldn't want them to get lost. And it's not my fault we got side-tracked."
Derek rolls his eyes, "If they get lost they'll just call someone. And it is your fault."
"Of course they will," Stiles nods. "And then I'll be the one who'll have to deal with Lydia being angry because we messed up dinner. And Secret Santa. And you know better than to show up at my place in soft looking v-neck sweaters. It's like I can't not jump you."
"You'll not mess up Secret Santa," Derek tells him, resting a hand on Stiles' thigh. "They will. And that's only if they get lost on the way. Which they won't. Because I texted them the directions before we left. And I have no idea what you're talking about."
Stiles makes a face at the road in front of him, hoping Derek is looking at him and can see just how much he's not helping right now.
And Derek so knows what Stiles is talking about.
Because it's not like he doesn't know that soft looking v-neck sweaters don't make Stiles remember Thanksgiving.
And what happened after Thanksgiving dinner.
Derek totally takes advantage of Stiles' lack of self-control when it comes to Derek in winter clothes, no matter how much he denies it.
"You're not helping right now."
Derek opens his mouth to say something but gets interrupted when his phone chimes, hand sliding off Stiles' thigh in order to grab hold of his cell.
"Will it help if I tell you that they're all there already?" Derek asks, tone smug.
Stiles ignores him.
And glares at nothing all the way to Lydia's house.
Only to get stopped by Derek's hand tangling on the end of his scarf as he climbs out of the car.
Or tries to.
Not that he's that successful when Derek is tugging him sideways and he runs the risk of being strangled if he doesn't turn back to look at him.
"Glaring doesn't look good on you," Derek says, voice low, leaning in to rub their noses together.
"Everything looks good on me," Stiles huffs, lips twitching despite himself.
Derek's only response to that is to close the distance between them, brushing their lips together.
Stiles doesn't even pretend to resist, knowing Derek knows how weak he is when it comes to kisses.
And how Derek is not afraid to use that to his advantage.
He's not afraid to use any of Stiles' weaknesses to his advantage, actually.
Case in point being right now, trying to distract Stiles from the stress of having all of their friends together.
Not to say that they don't get along, but it's only been a little over a month since they all met and the friendship between them is still a little fresh.
Which is actually one of the reasons why they all agreed to do Secret Santa as a big group this year.
You know, that being a bonding activity and all.
And also one of Lydia's favorite Christmas traditions.
So really, him being nervous about no one being late is just self-preservation.
He tells Derek that much after they stop kissing, only to have Derek's eyebrows twitch in a way that obviously says he doesn't know whether to be amused or confused.
In the end he just gives Stiles' scarf one final tug and says, "We better get going then."
They can hear the sounds of people talking and laughing before they even get to Lydia's door, Derek glancing every once in a while in Stiles' direction as if silently telling him that I told you so.
Stiles ignores him.
You know, after he sticks his tongue out at him.
Stiles barely gets his key into the lock before Lydia's door is being pulled open, Laura appearing on the other side with a drink in hand and a smile on her face.
"They're here!" she yells over her shoulder before ushering them inside. "Take off your jackets and get to the living room. We were supposed to be drawing the names half an hour ago."
"We're not that late," Stiles grumbles, unwrapping his scarf and frowning.
"Tell that to Lydia," Laura bats her lashes at him, grinning.
Stiles grimaces.
And then turns to Derek to give him his own I told you so look.
He still takes Derek's hand, though, leading him to the living room and to where the others are, Laura trailing behind.
"You're late," is the first thing out of Lydia's mouth when she sees them, eyes narrowed.
Stiles doesn't even bother saying he's sorry, settling for flopping down on Lydia's loveseat and pulling Derek down with him.
"They were probably sucking face in the car," Jackson says, lips turning down in disgust.
The only reason Stiles doesn't get up to punch him is because Scott gets there first, leaning over the arm of the couch so he can smack Jackson in the head.
Stiles grins at him.
Scott grins back.
Jackson glowers and doesn't anything, but that's mostly because Erica does it before him.
"I don't know," Erica says slowly, tilting her head to the side and sweeping her eyes over them. "They don't look like they were making out. No askew clothes, no sex hair, no stubble burn, no swollen-"
"We get your point," Boyd says, twirling a strand of Erica's hair between his fingers. "And I think I can speak for everybody when I say we all wish we didn't."
"And I think I can speak for Allison's unborn child when I say that we should hurry this along so we can order dinner," Cora huffs, crossing her arms over her chest.
Stiles doesn't try to figure out about how they all found out about Allison's pregnancy this fast, chalking it up to being one of the things about yoga classes he doesn't want to know.
"Wow, using the pregnant card when you're not even the one who's pregnant," Stiles blinks at her. "I'm impressed."
"And I thought you had manners," Derek glares at Cora.
Only to have Laura choke up on a laugh.
"Sorry," Laura says when everyone turns to stare at her. "Drink went down the wrong pipe."
Cora doesn't look convinced.
Not that she has the chance to say or do anything when Allison pipes up, "I am feeling kind of hungry, though."
The hand she lays on top of her stomach is what does it, though, Scott getting up from the couch like he's been burned.
"I take it you guys all know how Secret Santa works so I don't have to explain anything to you," Scott says, looking at all of them expectantly. "Only that we'll meet to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve."
They all nod.
And they also don't try to pretend Scott getting things moving because Allison said she's hungry is not about the most adorable thing in the world.
Scott doesn't notice.
But by the way Allison is looking at him with a soft smile on her face, she does.
And not only that, she appreciates it.
"The only thing that might be different is that there are two separate bags," Lydia announces, getting everyone's attention as she shakes two small red bags in her hand. "Since this is the first year we're doing this together, I wanted everyone to get someone they don't know as their Secret Santa. Let's say one bag is Team Stiles and the other is Team Derek, and each team will draw a name from the opposite team's bag. The Team Derek bag will be short on names, so the last person to draw a name will get one from the Team Stiles bag. Any questions?"
"Team Stiles bag? Seriously?" Jackson asks snottily.
"No questions, then," Lydia gives them a sharp nod, ignoring Jackson. "Good."
"Wait," Ethan stops her. "Can I be the last one to get a name?"
"Sure," Lydia nods at him, smiling sweetily. "Now can we start?"
Everyone nods their agreement, Lydia passing one of the bags to Laura and drawing a name for herself from the other.
"And no telling anyone who's your Secret Santa," Danny says, and then adds, "Scott."
"That was one time," Scott protests, giving him his best kicked puppy look. "And I only told Allison because I didn't know what kind of gift to get Lydia."
"I really liked that bag, by the way," Lydia tells them. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," both Scott and Allison say at the same time.
"It's kind of creepy when you two do that," Isaac comments, blinking at them. "It makes you sound like the same person."
"Oh, thank god," Stiles sighs in relief. "I'm not the only one who thinks that."
"Like you and Derek are any better," Danny gives him a long look.
Stiles glances at Derek.
Derek shrugs.
Because they kind of did have a conversation about how being disgustingly adorable is sort of a thing for them, so it's not like they don't know that already.
"Or Isaac and Cora," Erica sniffs.
"Or you and Boyd," Cora adds.
Stiles knows that was a dig at Erica, but instead of looking angry, she just looks proud.
Boyd sighs.
And looks skyward as if asking for strength.
And Stiles doesn't miss the sympathetic look Derek sends his way when Boyd ducks his head down, both of them sharing a look that says a lot about what kind of shit they have to deal with from their friends and how they are absolutely done with it all.
"Can you stop?" Laura hisses at them. "You're making me awfully aware of my relationship status."
"But you're not in a relationship," Derek points out, frowning in confusion.
"Exactly," Laura snaps, glaring at him. "Now shut up and draw your name."
Derek just raises his eyebrows at her, understanding dawning on his face as he keeps his mouth shut and does as he's told, handing the bag to Ethan.
Stiles pats his knee in silent support, watching as Ethan draws the last name and carefully slips the tiny piece of paper in his pocket.
"Did everyone get a name?" Lydia asks them, nodding when everyone says yes. "Then Allison can pick what we'll have for dinner."
"Isn't it Jackson's turn?" Stiles blinks, looking from Allison to Lydia to Jackson and back again.
"He said I could have his place in the rotation until I stopped hurling at the smell of certain types of food," Allison explains, dimples showing when she smiles at Jackson.
Who is grinding his teeth so hard Stiles can almost hear it.
It takes a second for Stiles to collect himself and get past the surprise of having Jackson actually being nice to someone, but when he does he doesn't hesitate to say, without a trace of sarcasm, "That's very nice of you, man."
"I don't know why you sound so surprised," Erica drawls, smirking. "Jackson's always nice."
Stiles makes a face at Erica.
And Jackson slumps into himself, crossing his arms over his chest and avoiding everyone's eyes as he says, "Whatever."
Stiles has to bite down on his lip not to say anything else and embarrass Jackson even more, but he figures the grateful look on Scott's face is more than enough to do just that.
The glare Danny also has aimed at Stiles as if daring him to open his mouth also might have something to do with it.
"So, does anyone have any food allergies or preferences I should know about?" Allison breaks the silence, clapping her hands together.
Stiles cuddles closer to Derek while Allison tries to figure out what to order, lacing their fingers together over Derek's lap.
"So how is the Christmas Eve thing going to work?" Cora asks them. "Do we all just get together and exchange gifts and that's it?"
"I actually wanted to talk to you about that," Lydia says, eyes zooming in on Boyd.
"Me?" Boyd blinks, startled.
"I heard from Stiles your pastries are one of the best things he's ever had the pleasure of eating."
"It's true," Stiles nods enthusiastically. "Derek knows how many times I asked him to steal some for me whenever you went on a baking binge."
"Way too many," Derek shakes his head, lips forming a smile.
Only to have Laura gasp, pointing a finger at Derek when she says, "So that's where the missing pastries were! At your boyfriend's house."
"It's okay," Boyd places a hand on Laura's shoulder. "I'll bake you some."
"Really?" Laura turns to him, eyes huge and bright.
"Sure," Boyd nods. "If you pay me."
Boyd's usual blank face is filled with amusement as he sees Laura sputter, lips curling up as she stares at him like she can't quite believe he dared to speak to her like that.
Cora and Derek are too busy trying not to laugh out loud and get her attention away from Boyd, with Cora hiding her face against Isaac's shoulder and Derek lifting his hand, still clasped with Stiles', to his lips and pressing his smile against Stiles' skin.
"I'd be willing to pay you to make us something for Secret Santa night," Lydia says, resting a hand on Laura's knee and patting it gently. "Just name your price."
Boyd considers her, "We can work something out after dinner."
Lydia smiles brightly at him before turning to comfort Laura, who's still looking like someone just stabbed her in the back.
Stiles understands.
Boyd's food is just that amazing.
"Did you really steal food from Laura for me?" Stiles looks up at Derek, squeezing their fingers together.
He feels Derek's shoulder move as he shrugs, the tips of his ears turning red when he says, "Just because lemon cupcakes are her favorites doesn't mean they were for her. She didn't call dibs."
Stiles laughs, shaking his head at Derek before bringing a hand up and cupping his jaw, tilting his head up so he can brush their lips together.
They keep the kiss chaste and brief, knowing that anything more than that will get the attention of the others, Derek bumping their noses together before pulling back.
"Hey, can we talk to you two for a minute?"
Stiles twists his head to see Scott and Allison standing in front of the loveseat, blinking at them before sharing a glance with Derek.
"Sure," both Stiles and Derek say, getting up and following the couple to Lydia's kitchen, away from the others.
"Is everything okay?" Stiles asks when they're alone, brows furrowed in concern.
"Yeah, dude," Scott tells him. "Nothing to worry about. There's just something we'd like to talk to you guys about."
"Or Derek, really," Allison adds, smiling. "But since you're already sort of involved, we decided to do it with you here anyway."
"What is it?" Derek asks with a frown, shifting closer to Stiles.
"Stiles told you our parents are moving in together, right?" Scott says, and continues when Derek nods. "Well, part of the reason why mom's doing that is because she wants us to raise the baby at the house. Something about how apartments are not meant for little kids."
"Noise complaints," both Derek and Stiles say in unison.
"Exactly," Scott nods. "So we're going to be moving to the house before Christmas."
"And you want us to help you haul your shit," Stiles finishes, rolling his eyes. "Seriously, buddy, you don't have to keep this all a secret. You know we'll help you anyway we can."
"That's not it," Scott gives him a pointed look, but then smiles. "But thanks for offering, man. Allison can't carry anything heavy, so I'll definitely take you up on it."
"No problem, dude. That's what your best bud is for," Stiles grins back.
"Boys," Allison sighs, sharing a look with Derek before rolling her eyes. "It's a wonder they ever get anything done."
"I thought getting off topic was a Stiles thing," Derek comments, lips twitching.
Allison snorts, "It's not. Trust me."
"Hey," Scott and Stiles protest, all mock betrayal.
Derek and Allison shrug.
Stiles doesn't think he likes them ganging up on him.
"I don't think I like our significant others ganging up on us."
Scott agrees.
Derek and Allison just stare at them and grin.
"So if you don't want to ask for our help moving, what's up?" Stiles asks, tilting his head to the side.
"Well, our apartment is going to be empty," Allison says, looking at Derek. "We know you're looking for a new place, and Lydia told us you're having a hard time finding something you like. So we thought you could come take a look at ours and see what you think."
"I- That's-," Derek starts, stops, obviously not knowing what to say. "I'd like that."
"Good," Allison grins, dimples showing. "We'll let you know as soon as we move out so you can come take a look at the apartment with Lydia."
"Does Lydia still need to be there?" Derek asks, close to pouting.
Stiles bites on the inside of his cheek not to smile.
"Not much she needs to be there as she's going to be there, no questions asked," Allison says, looking almost apologetic.
Derek presses his lips together.
Scott rests a hand on Derek's shoulder, "It'll be okay."
Derek looks at him flatly.
"You'll be happy in the end," Stiles tries. "And with a new apartment. Cat free."
That seems to help a little, Derek sighing before turning to Scott and Allison.
"Thanks for letting me know," Derek says, giving them a small smile. "For helping."
"No problem, dude," Scott says. "That's what friends are for."
"Yep," Allison nods. "What he said."
Stiles snorts, fighting the urge to throw his arms around both Scott and Allison and hug them until their eyes pop out.
Derek kind of looks like he feels the same way, which in the end just makes him look kind of awkward and uncomfortable, standing there and not really knowing what to do or how to show them how thankful he is.
Because as open as Derek's come to be with Stiles, he still has somewhat a hard time acting the same way around other people.
Allison and Scott seem to get it, though, Scott nodding at Derek while Allison reaches out a hand to squeeze his arm before walking back to the others.
And Stiles and Derek soon follow after Stiles catches Derek's lips in a kiss, slow and sweet.
Only to break apart when they hear Laura say, "So, I hear Chief Finstock's single."
From: Derek
Uncle Peter's upset we didn't include him in the Secret Santa thing.
From: Derek
No, scratch that.
From: Derek
Now he's upset with mom because she said the reason he wasn't invited is because he's old.
From: Derek
We found some old family albums in the attic when we were taking out the Christmas decorations.
From: Derek
My dad is in a few of them.
From: Derek
Laura fell asleep at the loft while watching tv.
From: Derek
Now she's walking around with a row of flowers drawn on her forehead because Isaac bought new sharpies and Cora was feeling artistic.
From: Derek
And I don't think she knows.
"You know what I miss?" Stiles muses out loud, hands wet as he rinses the last of plates and extends it to Derek.
"I'm sure you'll tell me," Derek says, lips curling up as he dries the plate with a dish towel before putting it away.
Stiles leans his hip against the kitchen counter and makes a face at him.
He still goes right ahead and tells him, though.
"Your bike," Stiles says, sighing wistfully. And maybe pouting a little. "I miss riding with you. I wish we could take it out and drive around town for a while."
"We could," Derek says, throwing the dishtowel in the sink. "But then I'd have to listen to you complain about being cold for the rest of the night."
"You could be a gentlemen and offer to warm me up," Stiles says, wiggling his eyebrows but making no moves to get closer to Derek.
"You're so charming," Derek deadpans.
"And I also don't hear you saying no," Stiles points out, grinning.
Only to stop when Derek takes a few steps right into his personal space, crowding him against the counter.
"You're right," Derek says, voice tipped low. "I didn't say no."
"And?" Stiles asks, licking his lips.
Derek's answer is to lean in, eyes tracking the movement of Stiles' tongue as he were his lips.
And then it's Derek's tongue following the same path, Stiles gasping quietly and bringing his hands up to Derek's shoulders for purchase.
They haven't really done much of anything sexual since Thanksgiving - with the exception of the quick mutual handjobs before the Secret Santa dinner -, and Stiles finds that's more because they haven't really had that much alone time since then than because of any hesitancy on Derek's part.
If one thing can be said about Holiday season is that a lot of cars decide to break down.
And a lot of people decide to break things.
Namely, bones in their bodies.
Stiles remembers Derek told him at the Halloween party that he only wanted to take their relationship further when sex became something he could enjoy and not see as some sort of task, so it's a pretty big deal knowing Derek's got to that point.
And it's an even a bigger deal Derek being the one to often initiate things between them, but Stiles thinks that might be because of him reinforcing that other talk they had right when they started dating about how Derek would be the one to set the pace of their relationship.
So for now, Stiles follows Derek's lead, not pushing things as much as he'd like to - even though he can't keep his mouth shut and flirts with Derek all the time - and always making sure Derek knows the lines of communication are open between them and that they can always stop to talk about things.
Not that Derek feels much like talking right now, Stiles notices, with the way he's currently moving from tracing Stiles' lips to kiss his way from Stiles' jaw to the side of his neck, teeth nipping softly at the skin.
One thing Stiles has learned about Derek is that he likes to bite.
A lot.
And another thing Stiles has learned about Derek is that he likes it even more when he can see his marks, see the rush of blood against Stiles' pale skin, see the way Stiles' eyes go half mast whenever Derek presses a finger over them.
No need to say that one thing Stiles has learned about himself is that he also likes that.
A lot.
So he doesn't even think twice before bearing his neck to the side, letting Derek pull at the collar of his shirt, one of his hands sliding up Derek's shoulder to his neck until he can tangle his fingers through Derek's hair.
And when he feels Derek's teeth and tongue at the crook between his neck and shoulder, he's glad Cora and Isaac aren't at the loft.
Because Stiles moans.
Loudly.
And then swears under his breath when he feels Derek's body shaking against his, his breath ghosting over Stiles' skin as he laughs.
"Oh, shut up," Stiles mutters, tugging hard at Derek's hair when that only makes Derek laugh even more.
"You like that, Bunny?" Derek asks him, eyes shining with mirth, bringing a hand up so he can press his thumb over the quickly forming bruise as if to illustrate his point.
Stiles presses his lips together, narrows his eyes, and blushes.
He's always known Derek had this teasing side to him, but he's only ever witnessed it a couple of times since they met, and it still throws him for a loop every time Derek does this kind of thing with intent.
Because Derek being all kinds of cute and adorable and a sap is something that happens often and Stiles has sort of gotten used to it or come to expect it, even if it still affects him and makes him want to kiss Derek until they can't breathe.
But Derek like this?
Cataloguing everything about how Stiles likes to be touched and taking advantage of that knowledge all the while smirking at him?
That's-
Stiles doesn't think he can handle that.
Stiles doesn't think he can handle someone being that hot.
So he doesn't even bother giving Derek an answer before he's pulling him forward, slotting their lips together and licking his way into Derek's mouth, their bodies pressed together from chest to groin.
Derek gives as good as he's got, fingers gripping Stiles' sides tight while their tongues slide together, his teeth coming down to bite softly at Stiles' bottom lip before moving back to his neck and the mark he was so busy making before.
And Stiles lets him, thanking the universe it's winter and he won't have to worry about having to hide any of his hickeys, rolling his hips minutely against Derek's as he rakes his teeth over the shell of Derek's ear.
Only to be rewarded with a full body shudder and Derek gasping against his neck, his hips rutting forward once like he can't quite help himself.
Stiles grins.
And whispers, "You like that, baby?"
Derek pulls back only long enough to give him a look that says he's so not impressed before he's back to kissing Stiles, their teeth clinking together because Stiles is still smiling to himself for being hilarious as shit.
And also because Derek didn't say no.
Stiles' dick twitches in his pants at the thought of getting to find out even more spots that get Derek to react that way.
There's no need to say he cannot wait to do that.
Especially when Derek dips a hand under the waistband of his jeans to cup his ass, pulling Stiles to him and grinding their hips together, groaning against Stiles' mouth when Stiles tightens his grip on Derek's hair and rocks back.
"Stiles."
"Should we be doing this here?" Stiles asks as he keeps rolling his hips, breathing coming faster and faster as Derek kneads his cheek.
"Cora and Isaac are staying at Erica and Boyd's tonight," Derek murmurs, pulling back to bump their noses together, to kiss him quickly. "So if you're only against doing this here because you think someone is going to walk in on us, you don't have to worry."
"Oh," Stiles says a little breathlessly, lips tugging up as he pushes his ass back into Derek's hand. "Well, that's good. But I was more worried about feeling cold then getting caught having sex with you."
Derek blinks at him, as if processing Stiles' words and trying to decide if moving them somewhere is worth it or if they should just carry on as they were.
The conclusion he gets to must be that having sex while freezing is not a good idea, nor a pleasant one, because next thing Stiles knows Derek's hand in not on his ass but wrapped around his wrist, and he's being lead to Derek's bed and promptly pushed down on it with a hand on his chest.
Stiles goes down laughing at Derek's hurry to get him in bed, stomach flipping when he sees Derek rolling his eyes before giving him a small smile back, sees Derek eager to share this with him, and sees Derek having fun while doing it.
Because this means Derek really is on board with everything that's happening between them.
No second thoughts, no doubts, no regrets.
"Hi," Stiles says as he scoots up on the bed and lays his head on one of Derek's pillows, Derek blanketing him with his body after he's comfortable, bracing himself on his forearms on each side of Stiles' head.
"Hey," Derek replies quietly, leaning into Stiles' touch when Stiles brings a hand to cup his jaw, thumb tracing at the stubble on his cheek.
They're still completely dressed, and the raw wanting from before turns into something softer as they take their time taking each other in, something sweeter, something that means more than just both of them looking to get off.
And Stiles suspects that - even though they haven't done this a lot - sex with Derek will be like this more often than not.
He can't say he has a problem with that.
"C'mon," Stiles says, placing a kiss on the corner of Derek's mouth at the same time his free hand slides up under his shirt. "Get naked."
"And you're so romantic, too," Derek says dryly.
"You know it, boo," Stiles beams, batting his lashes.
Derek moves off him so he can undress, stopping midway to unbuttoning his pants so he can help Stiles get out of his, and Stiles notices he gets even more distracted when his fingers brush over Stiles' bare thighs.
Stiles doesn't preen.
He also doesn't feel smug as fuck that he's the one making Derek feel this way.
Really.
He doesn't.
And he also doesn't lie back and spread his legs a little, the hard line of his cock obvious under his black boxer briefs.
"Are you going to stand there and stare or are you going to come here and touch me?"
Derek's head snaps up to his, Stiles raising an eyebrow when Derek doesn't say anything.
And then he's pushing his pants down, stepping out of them, and crawling on all fours on top of the bed until he's above Stiles' again, pulling the blankets over them, eyes dark and cheeks flushed as he stares down at Stiles.
Stiles can't help but gasp when Derek lowers his body, the pressure on his dick and the sensation of having Derek cover him completely sending sparks up his spine.
And that sensation only gets better when Derek kisses him, deep and open-mouthed and wet, his hands fisting into Stiles' hair and angling his head just as he wants him.
Stiles maintains that he'll probably never get tired of kissing Derek, but in moments like these where they have the place to themselves and time to do whatever they want, Stiles finds that he doesn't want to fill that time with just Derek's mouth on his.
He wants to get to know Derek's body, wants to know what he likes and how he likes it and how often he likes it.
So he breaks the kiss sooner than he's used to, mouthing at Derek's stubble before dropping his lips to Derek's neck, grinning with the way Derek throws his head back and bares his throat to him, answering his silent request and sucking a mark just under his jaw.
Stiles wonders how they're going to keep doing this once the weather warms, feeling a little sad at knowing they'll have to restore to marking each other under their shirts, where people can't see.
Not that they see much with the scarves and winter clothes they've been wearing, but still.
He goes back to Derek's mouth only to give him a short kiss, tongue dipping past his lips briefly before saying, "Get on your back for me?"
Derek nods once before moving to the side, his back to the mattress, the covers sliding past his shoulder and down his back to pool at their waists.
Stiles doesn't waste any time getting on top of him, pressing kisses on Derek's chin, his jaw, the bruise on his neck, the hollow of his throat.
He trails a path down Derek's body, using his hands to pinch at Derek's nipples while he nuzzles at his sternum, trading his fingers for his tongue and teeth when he feels Derek arch into his touch.
He rakes his nails down Derek's side, hands coming to rest at his hips to hold him still, chuckling wetly against Derek's stomach when he dips his tongue into Derek's navel and Derek yelps, bucks, and glares down at Stiles as his ears turn red.
"Ticklish?" Stiles asks him, eyes big and innocent.
"Shut up," Derek says without any heat, muscles twitching when Stiles noses at the trail of hair just under his belly button.
"Sure," Stiles tells him, smirking up at Derek and looking pointedly at his dick. "I'll get right on that."
Derek goes from glaring to looking even more turned on than he already was so fast Stiles can't help but go back up and kiss him again, moaning when Derek gets a hand on the back of his neck and keeps him there.
Only to push him back down after he's had his fill, his cheeks reddening when Stiles looks at him, pleasantly surprised.
"So I take it you're fine with me sucking your dick," Stiles says, mouth hovering over the outline of Derek's cock through his boxers, smiling when Derek makes a sound that's something between a whine and curse. "Nope, scratch that. You're more than fine with me sucking your-."
"Stiles," Derek groans, trying to look angry.
He fails.
Mostly because his face is flushed and his eyes are dark and the hand he still has on the back of Stiles' neck spasms.
"Yes, Derek?" Stiles looks at him from under his lashes, licking his lips.
And he doesn't know what he's expecting, not really.
Either for Derek to tell him to shut up again or take matters into his own hands and push Stiles down on his crotch or threaten to go finish himself off in the bathroom and leave Stiles hard and frustrated.
But none of that happens.
What happens is that Derek gets this look on his face, like he doesn't know what to do with himself, doesn't know what to say, doesn't really know what to ask for.
It's a look that both makes Stiles' heart hurt and makes him feel like the luckiest human being in the world for being the person Derek trusts to do this with.
Especially when Derek opens his mouth what comes out is, his voice strained and raw, "Please."
And Stiles can't take that, can't take teasing him anymore, can't take not having his mouth on Derek's dick and giving him what he wants.
"Okay, baby, I got you," Stiles says, kissing Derek's hip before hooking his fingers under the waistband of Derek's underwear and pulling it down and off.
He doesn't bother getting rid of his, too busy staring at Derek's dick resting against his stomach, hard and red and leaking.
This is not the first time he's seen Derek's dick, but it is the first time it's been anywhere this near to his face, so it's not like anyone can blame him when he gets a little bit distracted by the sight of it.
The only reason he snaps out of it is because of Derek's nails biting at his neck, the harsh sounds of his breathing echoing in the silent room.
Stiles gives him one more look to make sure Derek's okay with the direction things are going, encouraged by the way Derek hitches his hips up a little in invitation, his hand a warm and sure weight against the back of Stiles' neck.
And Stiles can't pass that up, wrapping his fingers around Derek's length and stroking him once, grinning at the choked-up groan Derek lets out at that first contact.
Also at the outright moan he hears when he tongues at the slit, at the precome gathered there, one of his hands working Derek's shaft while the other splays over his belly, keeping him still.
And then he can't smile anymore because he's sucking the head of Derek's cock into his mouth, swallowing him down, taking him in as deep as he can.
Stiles is reveling in the heavy weight of Derek on his tongue, the way he tastes, the sounds he makes when Stiles lets him go to mouth and lick at his balls, his hands going back to jerking Derek off.
He finds himself a little bit surprised at just how much he's enjoying this, how much getting his mouth on Derek is turning him on.
Not that he doesn't like sucking dick, but it's never come to a point where he's simultaneously hollowing his cheeks and humping the mattress, seeking a little bit of relief and friction for himself.
But figures Derek's the one to get him so desperate and vibrating out of his skin with want that he doesn't even care about how embarrassed he'll be after coming in his underwear.
Especially when he goes back to Derek's cock, Stiles liking a stripe up from base to head before swallowing him down again, tongue swirling under the head, hand going back to squeezing Derek's balls gently, one of his fingers going further down and-
Derek freezes.
Derek freezes and Stiles stops with him, Derek's dick still in his mouth, his finger still resting over Derek's rim, his hips pressed flush against the bed.
And just as he's about to pull back and get off of Derek, Derek
Derek just-
He presses into it.
Into Stiles' touch.
So minutely Stiles wouldn't even know he was doing it if it wasn't for the way Derek's cock slides out of his mouth.
Stiles pulls back and licks his lips at that, leaving his hand and finger exactly where they are, eyes looking up to Derek.
Who's staring back at him and biting down on his lower lip, pupils blown and cheeks flushed, chest heaving as he tries not to squirm under Stiles' gaze.
And Stiles, he has to do this.
Even though he wishes he could just take Derek's cue and go on and not have his dick being so hard it's starting to hurt, he has to ask.
"You okay with this?" Stiles asks, pressing his finger softly to show Derek exactly what he's talking about, his voice rough and wrecked and completely fucked out. "Because if you're not, tell me. I'll back off and go back to sucking your brains out through your dick and probably come from the sounds you make while I'm doing it. Either way, I'm good. But if you're not, I need to know."
Derek opens and closes his mouth a few times, no sound coming out.
But from the way he doesn't look any less on board with what's happening, Stiles figures that's more because Stiles' head is still hovering just inches from his dick and Stiles' finger is still pressed over his hole than from him not wanting to continue.
Stiles still needs his words, though.
Because he knows he's pushing things a little with this, and he needs to know Derek is going with it because he wants to and not because Stiles wants to.
Nevermind that his own dick is
He watches as Derek swallows hard, his throat working, the hickey Stiles put there earlier now a deep shade of purple, before he licks his lips and let out a slow breath.
"I don't- I'm not-," Derek starts, stops, takes a shallow breath and tries again. "I'm not ready for the whole…"
Derek trails off, nose scrunching up a little.
"Buttsex part of things?" Stiles asks with a smile, raising an eyebrow at Derek when Derek's dick twitches.
"Yes," Derek says, glaring down at his crotch like he's personally offended by his body's traitorous response. "At least not- Not tonight."
"That's okay," Stiles says, because it is. He doesn't need to fuck Derek or Derek to fuck him for him to be happy. "We're not doing anything you don't want."
"But I-," Derek says, clearing his throat, eyes burning as he stares at Stiles and bares down a little. "But I want this. What you- What we were doing. I liked- I like how it feels. So if you could just…"
Derek doesn't finish the sentence again, eyebrows moving in a way that basically says you know what you could just, making Stiles grin.
And wiggle his eyebrows in return.
"If I could just go back to sucking you off and maybe finger you a little?"
Stiles knows he'd appear totally unaffected by his own words if it wasn't for the way his voice cracks at the end.
And for the way his hips grind into the bed.
And for the little whimper he lets out when Derek's only answer to that is to narrow his eyes and spread his legs as much as he can, exposing himself to Stiles.
"Are you going to lie there and stare or are you going to touch me?" Derek asks, eyes glinting as he repeats Stiles' almost exact words from earlier, lips curling up in a faint smirk when Stiles huffs at him.
Not that he doesn't go right back to that, only stopping to suck his finger into his mouth and get it wet, keeping his eyes on Derek's the entire time.
And not missing the way Derek's breath hitches and his cheeks flush even more and his dick twitches.
Again.
Stiles catalogues every little reaction Derek has to him and makes a mental note to explore them later, sliding his finger out of his mouth and wrapping his other hand around Derek's wrist, Derek's hand still resting on the back of his neck.
"You can use this, you know?" Stiles tells him, giving his wrist a squeeze. "No need to worry about me choking if you accidentally or not-so-accidentally push my head down."
"Fuck," Derek hisses at Stiles' words. "Stiles."
Stiles flashes him a smile before getting his mouth back on Derek, humming around him when Derek helps guide him with his hand, eyes fluttering shut.
This time he makes everything wetter, sucks harder, bobs his head faster, knowing it won't take Derek long before he's coming.
If he's being honest, it won't take long for him, either.
Not when he starts tracing Derek's rim with his finger and Derek whines, back arching off the bed and pushing his dick further into Stiles' mouth, his hand moving from Stiles' neck to grip tightly at his hair.
And not when Stiles actually presses in, groaning around Derek's dick at how fucking tight Derek is, how hot he feels, how wrecked he sounds as he tugs at Stiles' hair.
And also not when Derek keeps pushing down into Stiles' finger, fucking up into the wet heat of Stiles' mouth, gasping Stiles' name as his body stills.
And most definitely not when Stiles' eyes snap back up to Derek's face, seeing him with his mouth open and his eyes closed as he spills down Stiles' throat.
Stiles places a kiss on Derek's hip when he lets Derek go and pulls his finger out, climbing up Derek's body with lazy limbs before flopping down beside him.
Derek turns to him, catching his lips in a sloppy kiss, tasting himself on Stiles' tongue, hand sliding up and down Stiles' side, patting his hip, moving to his stomach and down to his-
"Oh," Derek says, dazed, a little surprised, pulling back to look down at his hand on Stiles' boxers.
And at the wet patch of fabric right over his dick.
"Yeah," Stiles says, clearing his throat, face tinged pink.
"You-," Derek shakes his head, licks his lips, lifts his eyes to Stiles again. "From doing that to me?"
Stiles shrugs, feeling sheepish, but still answers.
"It was hot. Like, really fucking hot. And I've been wanting to do that to you for some time now, so. It kind of just happened."
"Oh," Derek says again, blinking.
Stiles shrugs one more time.
And then Derek's leaning in and brushing their lips together, eyes glinting and lips curling up as he asks, "Do you think we can make it happen again?"
To: Derek
derek i need you to come over to give me a massage
To: Derek
and orgasms
To: Derek
you know if that's okay with you
To: Derek
and by that i mean the orgasms because the massage is nonnegotiable
From: Derek
I take it Scott made you carry all of the heavy stuff for the move.
To: Derek
you'd be correct
To: Derek
and that's why we're no longer friends
From: Derek
That's not what the picture Allison sent me of the two of you wearing cowboy hats and drinking orange juice from martini glasses tells me.
To: Derek
…
To: Derek
and that's why allison and i are no longer friends
From: Derek
Whatever you say.
To: Derek
are you still coming though?
From: Derek
Yes.
To: Derek
and will i be coming?
From: Derek
:)
"I'm sorry I can't go see the apartment with you."
"Right," Derek says, and Stiles can almost see him rolling his eyes. "Because you need to go Christmas shopping right on the day Lydia's supposed to take me to Scott and Allison's place."
"Exactly," Stiles says lightly, holding his phone between a shoulder and his cheek as he finishes zipping his pants. "Thank you for being so understanding."
He hears Derek snort, smiling to himself as he goes back to holding his phone with one and wraps a scarf around his neck.
"Yeah, sure. I'm understanding."
"I'll make it up to you," Stiles promises as he shrugs on his coat. "But if I don't get this done today then I won't get it done at all. And then Lydia will have my life for not having a gift for my Secret Santa. And my dad will disown me for not having a gift for him. I don't want Lydia to kill me or my dad to disown me, Derek."
Derek sighs, long-suffering but still fond, "Cut the drama. It's okay. God knows it's not your fault you always keep leaving things for the last minute."
"Hey," Stiles protests, almost zipping half his scarf when he closes his coat. "I still have a little less than two weeks."
"Closer to one," Derek corrects. "But whatever. It's alright. You will make it up to me for leaving me alone with my sister and Lydia."
"I swear," Stiles smiles, even though Derek can't see him. "And it's also not my fault you're the kind of person who gets all his shopping done three weeks before Christmas."
"I don't like to rush when I'm shopping," Derek says flatly, making Stiles laugh. "And you're coming over after you're done. Cora and Isaac are gonna be at Laura's for the night and you owe me."
"Okay, baby," Stiles says softly, grabbing his keys and wallet. "I'll grab some food on the way. See you later."
"Later, Bunny."
Stiles hangs up and walks out, a smile on his face, making a mental checklist of all the people he needs to buy something for.
There's always his dad and Mrs. McCall, Scott and Allison, Danny, Lydia, and Jackson.
But there are new people in his life this year, so Stiles adds Ethan to that list, Laura, Cora, Erica, Boyd, and Isaac.
He thinks about buying something for Mrs. Hale and Peter, but figures he hasn't spent that much time with them and getting them something would a be a little too much on the weird side of things.
And then there's also his Secret Santa.
And doesn't that make Stiles wonder if Lydia rigged the whole game, since the name on the paper he drawed is his boyfriend's.
You know, Derek.
Kind of making all of Stiles' plans to do something cheesy and inappropriate like telling Derek what he got for Christmas was Stiles and his hot bod go out the window.
Not that he thinks he won't end up doing that anyway.
Only, you know, in private.
And that means Stiles has to rethink this entire thing and come up with a new gift for Derek.
He keeps that in mind as he gets to the mall and braces himself to brave through the crowd and survive the mash up of holiday tunes, deciding to start by the easiest person to shop for and then take it from there.
And by easiest person to shop for he means Scott.
Mostly because they text each other a list of all the things they want for Christmas and then all that's left for the other to do is pick one and buy it.
Not very Christmas-y, they know, but usually they're too busy being happy over getting what they wanted to give much of a fuck.
It also helps the fact that Scott usually asks for video games.
But this year Stiles decides to do something a little different, adding a World's Best Dad shirt to the mix.
He's a sap, so what?
His dad is next, Stiles not wasting any time in getting him a new leather belt and wallet, since the ones his dad is using are probably from the time Stiles was still in high school. And he also buys him a Christmas candy bag, figuring he can let his dad eat something unhealthy as a gift.
Mrs. McCall gets a silk scarf, a set of scented candles, and the ugliest scrubs Stiles can find. It's a tradition they have between them that started when Stiles was about twelve or so and gifted her with the most hideous pair of floral scrubs that was ever made.
At the time he thought all the colors were cool, and Mrs. McCall smiled warmly and thanked him, but a few years after that he saw the error of his ways.
Not that it made him stop giving her ugly scrubs for Christmas.
He gets Danny a new bottle of his Armani cologne. There's really no other gift for him, not when Stiles has to sit next to him at work everyday. Also, it makes the ambulance smell good.
He finds a silver bracelet with little arrow charms for Allison, adding that along with a World's Best Mom coffee mug and a pair of Chinese ring daggers.
It should probably bother him that out of all of that what she'll enjoy more are the weapons.
Lydia and Jackson both get gift certificates for a spa. Stiles knows soon they'll start complaining about the cold's effect on their skin and how dry it is, so, really, he's just doing to keep himself sane.
And also maybe because that's what he's been giving them for Christmas for the last five years and so far there have been no complaints.
Stiles buys Ethan a pair of winter yoga pants and a book on Hawaiian cuisine, knowing he's not the only one who was won over by Danny's dad food.
When it comes to start on Derek's friends Stiles decides to go drop all of his bags in the Jeep to give himself more time to think, taking a detour for the food court to eat and drink something before going back to shopping.
It's when he has half a burger in his mouth that he gets a message from Derek, and he can't help but let out a little noise of excitement as he reads it.
From: Derek
I'm moving to Scott and Allison's old apartment before Christmas and you're helping me.
To: Derek
ARE YOU SERIOUS?
To: Derek
and ofc i'll help you anything you want omg dklfjdlfjdfg
He's already spent a good part of the afternoon walking around, adding buying Derek a housewarming gift to his list, and he knows that by the time he's done and drives over to Derek's he'll probably drop face down on top of the first flat and comfortable surface he finds.
And then he'll ask for a massage.
Something Stiles found out Derek is amazing at.
And then they'll trade celebratory blowies for Stiles being productive and for Derek finding a new place to live.
He goes back to shopping with that in mind, finding that he gets things done a lot quicker when he has something to look forward to once he's done.
He ends up getting Erica a Batman hoodie, Boyd a set of snowflake cookie cutters, Cora a cat plush toy that looks exactly like Lucifer, Isaac a scarf with little wolves on them, and Laura-
Well, Laura also gets a gift certificate for the same spa as Lydia and Jackson, considering she and Lydia have become really good friends and Jackson thinks the sun shines out of her ass.
As for Derek's Secret Santa gift, Stiles buys him a new leather jacket.
It's not very original, he knows, but he figures he can come up with something else to give Derek as a Christmas present later.
Unlike the Colonial Possessions shower curtain he got for what's going to be Derek's new bathroom.
For this he needs to think of something romantic and meaningful and that'll leave Derek speechless and so grateful they'll end up having slow but still very hot and passionate sex later.
Please.
Stiles deems his evening a success as he walks back to his car and loads the rest of his bags into the backseat, mind working as he tries to think of what he could possible give Derek besides the jacket and his dick with a ribbon tied to it.
So he's a little surprised when his answer comes in the form of his phone ringing, a number he doesn't recognize flashing on the screen.
"Hello?"
"Stiles," a sly voice answers. "This is Derek's uncle, Peter."
From: Derek
Peter's hiding something.
From: Derek
He has that look on his face that means he knows something you don't and that something could possibly be hazardous to your health.
From: Derek
And mom keeps looking at me and smiling.
From: Derek
It's freaking me out.
"That's it. I'm done."
"Stiles."
"Nope. I'm not doing this anymore. This is the last time. I'm done with it. All of it. No more. Enough."
"But we're almost-"
"This is the third time this month, Derek," Stiles groans as he lies down on the couch, throwing an arm over his face. "My muscles can't take it anymore."
"Oh my god, stop complaining," Laura says, poking him in the stomach when she walks past him, carrying a lamp. "It's like Derek's not going to show you exactly how grateful he is for your help as soon as we're out of here."
Stiles drops his arm.
Laura kind of has a point.
"Laura," Derek hisses, neck flushing.
"It's okay, boo," Stiles says, resting a hand on the back of Derek's neck from where he's sitting on the floor with his back against the couch, the skin warm beneath his hand. "It's not your fault I'm irresistible."
"You two are disgusting," Cora says, setting down a box and wrinkling her nose at them as she pulls up chairs for her and Laura and sits down.
"Pot. Kettle," Derek and Laura say in unison, making Cora glare at them.
"Where do I put this?" Isaac asks, looking down at a box labeled towels.
Derek looks around helplessly, taking in the mess that is his living room, before looking back at Isaac, "Just set it down wherever. As long as it's out of the way."
Isaac shrugs, placing his box on top of the one Cora brought in before lifting her up and taking her seat, Cora on his lap.
Laura and Derek give her a look as if to say see what we mean, Cora rolling her eyes at them before relaxing back into Isaac's chest.
"You brought in all the stuff in the car already, didn't you?" Erica asks as she steps inside, Boyd trailing behind her and hauling two more boxes.
Derek nods, getting up to give Boyd a hand.
"Thanks," Boyd tilts his chin up at him. "These are the last two, then."
"Thank god," Laura sighs. "Does this mean we can start drinking?"
"That makes it sound like you only helped because you wanted to get drunk later," Stiles twists his head so he can look at her, raising an eyebrow.
Laura shrugs, "Well, yeah."
Stiles snorts, lifting his feet so Derek can sit down on the couch before throwing them over Derek's lap.
"Your sister wants to drink all of your beer."
"Like that's any news," Derek shakes his head, smiling when Laura tries to kick him.
"Can we order pizza first?" Erica pipes up, looking at Derek expectantly.
"You did promise to feed us if we helped you," Boyd tells him, his own lips curling up at the corners.
Derek lets out a long breath, looking skyward as if asking for strength, before turning his gaze to Stiles.
"Is the offer to trade your friends for mine still up?"
Stiles laughs when everyone gasps and protests, all mock offense, Erica even going the extra mile and grabbing one of the throw pillows they left on the floor near the couch and hitting Derek in the face with it.
"Go order your pizza," Derek grabs the pillow from her as Erica takes out her phone and dials, offering it to Stiles, who slides it under his head.
"You know, Derek," Laura says, eyes sweeping around the apartment. "I really like this place."
Derek narrows his eyes at her, "It's mine."
Stiles bites down on his bottom lip not to laugh, eyes crinkling at the corners when he sees the face Laura makes at Derek.
"I know," Laura huffs. "I'm just saying, little brother, you made a good choice."
Derek blinks at her, looking a little taken aback.
"Thanks," he says slowly, lips tipping up. "I think so too."
"And now we'll finally have the loft to ourselves," Cora whispers loudly, wiggling her eyebrows at Isaac, who smirks back at her.
Laura, Derek, Erica, and Stiles groan, Boyd just looking at them with a blank look on his face that makes Stiles thinks he's had years of practice in going to his happy place whenever one of his friends starts being disgusting.
"You're gonna want our help unpacking everything?" Boyd asks Derek.
"No," Derek shakes his head. "I'll do it myself tomorrow. Or after Christmas."
"Good," Boyd nods. "Because I have stuff to do."
Boyd grins at Derek when Derek gives him a flat look, turning to Stiles when Stiles says, "Did Lydia talk to you about the Secret Santa pastries?"
"Yeah. I have to start baking tomorrow if I want everything to be ready by then."
"I can't wait," Stiles says honestly, because really, Boyd's baking.
"We all know the only thing better than presents is the gift of Boyd's culinary skills," Erica says, tone serious.
They all nod in agreement.
Boyd rolls his eyes, but no one misses the little pleased smile gracing his face.
"Are you spending New Years with us?" Isaac asks Stiles. "I already told Scott we're all going to Triskele and asked him to tag along and bring Allison with."
"And I asked Lydia," Laura says.
"Ethan and Danny," Cora lifts up a hand.
"Jackson," Erica pipes up.
Stiles blinks at them and turns to Derek, "You didn't mention anything."
"I was going to," Derek frowns, wrapping a hand around Stiles' ankle and squeezing. "Tonight. After they all left. Guess I don't have to now."
"You can still ask me, though," Stiles smiles at him, pressing his feet into Derek's thighs. "Like, right now."
Derek sighs, half fond and half exasperated, but still asks, "Stiles, do you want to spend New Years with us?"
"Of course I do," Stiles says, sitting up so he can reach Derek and kiss him on the cheek. "I have to kiss my boyfriend at midnight and all. There's no way I'm missing that."
Derek smiles softly at him, squeezing Stiles' ankle again as he leans in to kiss him.
Only to stop short when the doorbell rings.
"Thank god," Laura says with mock disgust. "Now we don't have to watch the two of them sucking face."
Stiles sticks his tongue out at her.
"Give me your wallet," Erica tells Derek, making grabby hands.
Derek pushes Stiles' feet off his lap so he can reach his wallet, handing it to Erica, who smirks and thanks him before walking to the door.
Not five minutes later and she's back with the pizzas, setting them on the coffee table they had the presence of mind to place in front of the couch.
"Do we know where your plates are?" Erica looks at Derek.
"I know there are paper towels on top of the kitchen counter?"
Erica tuts at him, Boyd raising a hand and telling her he'll get them before she can get up again.
Isaac takes it upon himself to open the pizza boxes, Stiles' mouth watering at the delicious smell that wafts through the living room.
If there's one thing Stiles can say about moving is that not only it makes him tired and achy, but it also makes him hungry, and he's thinking about saying fuck it to paper towels and just grab a slice when Boyd comes back from the kitchen.
"You're my favorite," Laura says when she sees he's also carrying two six packs, smiling wide.
"Of course I am," Boyd says with no inflection at all, letting her take one of the six packs before setting the other on the table.
"I'd say I'm offended, but Boyd's pretty great," Cora says, sharing a glance with Derek when he nods in agreement.
"But Laura? Not so much," Derek adds, ducking when Laura tries to kick him.
Again.
"It brings tears to my eyes seeing how much you three love each other," Stiles says dryly, shaking his head. "Really."
"That's because you haven't seen them fighting over who gets to eat the last of the Holidays' leftovers," Isaac tells him around a mouth full of pizza. "That's when they show you what real love's all about."
"And by that Isaac means that a few of years ago we had to take Laura to the hospital because she landed butt first on a fork," Erica explains, smirking at the memory.
"And Mrs. Hale made Derek and Cora do whatever Laura wanted for an entire month as a way to apologize for pushing her down," Boyd adds.
Laura sighs wistfully, "Good times."
"I'll show you good times," Derek and Cora mutter at the same time, glaring at Laura.
Stiles opens and closes his mouth, not really knowing what to say.
"I don't know what to say."
Isaac, Erica, and Boyd shrug.
Derek and Cora keep glaring at their sister.
And Laura just smiles, taking a sip of her beer before pointing at the six pack and asking, "Any want one?"
No one hangs around after the food and alcohol are gone, everyone too tired from a day of hauling boxes to want to stay longer than they have to after helping Derek clean up.
The only exception is Stiles, following Derek to his bedroom after they hug everyone goodbye and close the door behind them.
"We need to set up your bed as soon as possible," Stiles says, eyeing the bare mattress on the floor with a small mountain of blankets and pillows thrown over it, the two duffle bags sitting near it, and the lamp on one of the corners of the room. "You're too old to be sleeping on the floor like this.
"I'm not old," Derek snaps, looking offended.
"You're older than me," Stiles sniffs, biting the inside of his cheek not to smile at Derek's outrage. "And I don't like sleeping on the floor."
"We can do it tomorrow," Derek tells him, bending down to pick up Stiles' duffle and throw it at him before rummaging through his own. "Right now I just want to lie down."
"And possibly not move for the next couple of days?" Stiles asks hopefully, knowing Derek must be as sore as he is.
"Yes."
Stiles is totally down with that plan, changing into his pajamas quickly before slipping into bed and rearranging the pillows and blankets, pulling one side up so Derek can lie down beside him.
"I'm glad you like it here," Stiles says once they're tucked into bed, lying on their sides and staring at each other. "This place. I know you were getting impatient with the whole apartment hunting thing."
"Yeah," Derek says quietly, lips twitching up before shrugging one shoulder. "There was just something about it that seemed right to me. I don't know. I could see myself living here in a way I couldn't at other places."
"Well," Stiles drawls. "We do know Scott and Allison were happy here, so you don't have to worry about things like bad juju or being haunted by the spirits of dead tenants who lived here before you."
Derek snorts, "Because those are the first things that come to mind."
"Of course they are," Stiles says, shifting closer to Derek. "Not the amazing closet space or the great windows or the kitchen that you stare longingly at whenever you walk by it. Those are just bonuses."
Derek opens his mouth to something but gets interrupted by the sound of his phone ringing, twisting around on the bed and away from Stiles until he can reach his pants and take his phone out of the pocket of his jeans.
Whoever is calling makes Derek smile slightly as he answers and holds the phone to his ear, gesturing for Stiles to sit up with him as he talks.
"Yeah, he's here. We finished moving everything a few hours ago and now all I need to do is unpack."
Stiles raises his eyebrows at Derek as he cuddles closer and tries to listen in, getting a huffed laughed from Derek when he presses their cheeks together.
"Hold on, I'm gonna put you on speaker," Derek says, hitting a button on his phone. "Hi."
Stiles doesn't know who he was expecting to be calling, but he finds himself a little startled when Allison's bright voice comes from the receiver.
"Hi, guys!"
"Oh, hey," Stiles glances at Derek and smiles back.
He knows Allison and Derek still hang out often, their coffee dates turning into movie nights now that the weather is cold, something about Derek, unlike Scott, not minding Allison's taste for war movies.
It still catches him off guard sometimes, seeing how close they are and how they're becoming even closer, but it makes him happy knowing they have each other, knowing that they managed to become friends after everything that happened to both of them.
"I just wanted to call to make sure everything went okay," Allison says, a smile evident on her voice.
"Aside from us feeling like our arms are about to fall off," Stiles tells her, leaning into Derek's side.
He can hears Allison laugh and fabric shifting, and a second later Scott is the one talking to them.
"This is what you get for not listening to me whenever I told you you should exercise more."
"Like I would ever," Stiles huffs. "Plus, I like my body the way it is."
If he wasn't sitting so close to Derek he'd probably have missed the me too he mutters, his lips stretching in a wicked grin as he catches Derek's eye.
"Well, we should probably let you guys go so you can rest," Allison says. "I really just wanted to check in. And if there's anything you need, Derek, you have my number."
"I'll call you," Derek says, pointedly looking at anywhere but at Stiles. "And thanks. See you soon?"
"Yep! We started unpacking our DVDs so we can start watching Bands of Brothers when you come over."
"I'm looking forward to it," Derek says, at the same time Stiles can hear a mumbled you and your war movies from Scott.
And then a muffled yelp and a thump, undoubtedly from Allison kicking him off their bed.
They say their goodbyes after that, Derek throwing his phone into his duffle before hooking an arm around Stiles' waist and tugging him down, tangling their legs together and resting his head on Stiles' chest.
They don't say anything for a while, Stiles running his fingers through Derek's hair while Derek traces random patterns on his hips from where his shirt has ridden up.
That is until Stiles swallows and says, "So."
"Yes?" Derek says after a few beats, sounding wary.
And knowing himself, Stiles doesn't really blame him.
Especially when the next thing out of his mouth is, "You like my body, huh?"
Derek hides his blush by pressing his face into the crook of Stiles' neck, smacking him on the stomach when Stiles starts laughing and then biting at his shoulder when that does nothing to stop him.
"Alright, alright," Stiles hisses, still chuckling. "I'm sorry. It's just- It's good to know, that's all."
"Good to know?" Derek raises his head so he can look at him
"Well, yeah," Stiles purses his lips together. "It's always nice knowing you appreciate all the effort I put into looking like this."
Derek blinks at him, voice flat when he says, "Because eating takeout four days out of seven and not bothering to brush your hair after you wake up is so exhausting."
"You know it, baby."
"You're ridiculous."
"I gotta keep you on your toes," Stiles bats his lashes at him, grinning when Derek leans in to bump their noses together.
"You do."
Stiles hums and closes the distance between them, pressing his lips against Derek's in a slow and deep kiss.
"I missed doing that today," Stiles tells him. "Can't exactly kiss you when you have your sisters and friends walking around the apartment."
"You know I don't mind," Derek says quietly.
"Okay, let me rephrase that," Stiles says. "I can't exactly make out with you when you have your sisters and friends walking around the apartment. You know they'd either film us and send the video to everyone we know or they'd toss something at our heads and tell us we're gross."
"We're not gross," Derek frowns, bottom lip pursed forward in a pout.
Stiles doesn't even try not to find it adorable anymore.
"We are kind of gross," Stiles wrinkles his nose at him before smiling. "But only sometimes."
Derek huffs, kissing him again, "It's a good thing they're gone then."
"Very good thing," Stiles nods, placing kisses over Derek's lips and chin and cheeks and nose and forehead. "Very, very good thing."
But since all good things must come to an end, Stiles yawns right as Derek is going back to kiss him.
"Sorry," Stiles says sheepishly. "'M tired."
"Me too," Derek says, kissing the tip of his nose. "We can pick this up in the morning."
"And christen the bedroom?" Stiles looks at Derek with bright and excited eyes.
"Yep."
"And the bathroom?"
"Yes."
"And the-"
"Wherever you want."
Stiles beams at him, smacking a loud kiss to Derek's lips, "You're the best."
"I know," Derek says, and he looks so pleased with himself Stiles can do nothing but keep smiling at him.
Until he remembers a very important thing.
"Oh, wait a second."
Derek blinks and then frowns at him as Stiles gets up and goes for his own discarded jeans, pulling a set of keys from the pocket and taking out a key from the keychain ring.
"Here," he says, handing it to Derek. "Scott gave me a spare when he moved in. I'd give it back to him, but since you're the one who's living here now… Well, you know."
Derek looks from the key in his hand back to Stiles, an intense look on his face, his eyebrows twitching in that way it means he's thinking hard about something.
Probably about how much trouble is going to be asking for all of Stiles' friends to give him their own keys back.
"You should keep it."
Or maybe not.
"I- What?"
"You should keep it," Derek says, taking Stiles' hand and placing the key on his palm. "I want you to keep it."
"I-," Stiles stops him for asking what again, blinking. "Are you sure? Because this is- Having a key to your place is kind of a big deal."
"I know," Derek says, sounding absolutely sure about what he's doing. "It is a big deal. Pretty much everything I've done since I met you has kind of been a big deal for me."
Well, that's-
Stiles doesn't know if that's a good thing or not.
"I don't know if that's a good thing or not."
"It is," Derek says with a small and soft smile. "But it's not- It was- It helped me. I took risks. I was so afraid of doing that before I met you, after everything, but I did. You made me- I think it's wrong saying you made me a better person, because I didn't do all of this for you. I didn't try to get better to prove to you that I could, or to show you that I was, I don't know, fixed, I guess. I did it because of you. I wanted to be someone I could be proud of again, and I did that because you made me want to feel good about myself like I used to. That was a pretty big deal. So I want you to have the key," Derek looks at him, and then adds, "If you want to keep it."
Stiles looks from Derek's face to the keys in his hand, heart beating wildly in his chest, throat tight, eyes stinging.
Because those words coming from Derek, more than the gesture itself, is what it is a pretty big deal.
Having him say that and feel comfortable and sure of what he's feeling and thinking to do so is a pretty big deal.
Stiles knows it costs Derek something to open up like that and having him do it is a pretty big deal.
So he closes his fingers around the key in his hand and says, "I want to keep it."
And when Derek smiles wide, tugs him down, covers him with his body, and kisses him breathless, all Stiles can do not to tell him he loves him is to kiss him back.
Not that he thinks he'll be holding on to that secret for long.
Not now.
Not after this.
a/n: i need someone to hold me because over 200k words