Chapter 3

The cinema trips became regular then became dinners and bowling too, and it went on for a month. Every few days Derek would pop up out of the blue and they'd be off.

Stiles was sure he was reading too deeply into this. He was sure his little crush was clouding his judgement, but something was telling him he maybe right. Derek could like him back. This has to mean something he told himself. But he was also quick to discourage himself.

How could Derek like him? Derek the big alpha werewolf who was pretty much unquestionably straight.

He always takes the slightest hint too seriously he was telling himself. He had done the same thing with Lydia, the slightest hint no matter how small would fill him with hope that she liked him back... and she never did. That crushed him. The thought of it happening again scared him half to death... then he realised it was reality. He was doing the same thing with Derek. He was setting himself up to get hurt.

Stiles lay on his bed one night. It was the place he felt most comfortable, most at ease. He sometimes just lay down to do nothing.

He lay there just thinking things over and over while staring into space a cool breeze sweeping across him. He just continued to stare until he realised there couldnt be a breeze... his door and window were closed. He sat bolt upright and looked straight at his window. It was fully opened and in front of it stood Derek.

"Hello again." Stiles said.

"Something wrong?" Derek asked.

Stiles then noticed Derek had been actively taking an interest in him too and hope got the better of him again. "Er no no."

"Are you sure?"

"Well..." Stiles felt his heart start racing. "I'm just wondering why you're doing all this?"

"What?"

"Movies, Dinner, Bowling..."

"I thought you liked them?"

"I do." Stiles said far too quickly.

"Good."

Derek really had a way with words. "Is there a purpose to them though? I don't want to get the wrong idea."

"Meaning?"

"Oh god. I like you Derek. A lot."

"You think I can't tell?"

Stiles felt his eyes watering a bit. "Oh yeah..." He didn't know why there were tears in his eyes.

"What's wrong?" Derek asked. His usually emotionless face became a picture of concern.

"I er.." Stiles began and then it hit him. "Do you like me Derek? I need to know. Are these dates you're taking me on?"