Stiles pushed closer to him, he hadn't meant to but Derek's arms wrapped around him and he knew he needed to be close to him.
"Going home," he managed. Derek's hand rested on the back of his neck, massaging slightly.
"It will be better," he whispered, "if I have something to catch me." Stiles couldn't answer because he was trying to imagine how he was going to deal with the misery. How was he going to pretend that he'd been kidnapped, it had been horrible, and now he was so thrilled to be safe at home? Yeah he'd be glad to be home. His dad was there. And…Scott. He half winced. He really should miss his best friend more. But that wasn't the point right now. "If my uncle is telling the truth, if they really want me back. I can lean on them a bit." He squeezed Stiles. "Maybe more than a bit."
"That's good," Stiles forced out. "I don't want you to be alone." He half had to remind himself. "So you'll go back to your family. That's great." There was no reason to be upset. They were already splitting up. It wasn't like he hadn't known that.
"It kind of wrecks the whole pretending thing, I know."
"No it's okay," Stiles told him, snuggling closer still. "You would have given me a complex if you hadn't told me." Derek laughed softly, kissing his temple.
"I wouldn't want that."
"So we're okay for now?" Stiles was desperately hoping the answer was yes because there was nothing he wanted more right now than to curl up in bed with Derek and pretend things really were okay.
"I'll still have to get in contact with Peter so I'm sure we have a few days." Stiles jerked up, eyes wide.
"Days?" he demanded. "What do you mean days?" They were supposed to have two weeks. That was fourteen days. Not a few. His chest was so tight he thought it was going to crack.
"The longer we let this go on the worse it's going to get. The more chance that we'll both snap and mate." Stiles slumped. He didn't have an argument for this and he knew that. It would hurt just as much leaving now. Maybe less. It only made sense.
"Well this sucks," he admitted. Derek didn't answer. He didn't have to.

Derek was awake before him but hadn't moved from bed. It took Stiles a few moments to note how tired he looked. "You okay?" he questioned, reaching out to feel his forehead automatically. He was pretty sure werewolves didn't get fevers but just in case.
"I'm fine," Derek told him with a weak smile.
"You look tired." Derek nodded once before looking out the window.
"Couldn't sleep." Stiles snuggled back into his side before,
"Why not?" Derek didn't answer and Stiles held in his sigh. "Is there anything I can do?" he asked hesitantly.
"You're already doing it." Stiles untangled his leg from the sheet before pulling it back over him and settling in. He wrapped one arm around Derek and sighed quietly. "You're not hungry?" Derek questioned. Stiles rolled his eyes.
"Not right now," he said. He could feel Derek smile against his skin.
"I can still tell when you're lying."
"Shut up." Derek sighed and nuzzled into his neck before shifting and tucking Stiles' head onto his shoulder. Derek's chest pressed out as he inhaled deeply and it was a long moment before he exhaled. Stiles wondered what he smelled like. There wasn't anything keeping him from asking but Stiles just felt like now wasn't a time to talk. He couldn't really identify the feeling. He just wanted to lay with Derek. That was it.

Eventually they drifted from bed; they had to as Derek wasn't willing to put up with Stiles' stomach growling anymore. After a lazy lunch consisting of Pop-Tarts and chips they got dressed for the day. Derek dropped to the bed after pulling on a shirt, running a hand through his hair. He sighed.
"We'll have to go talk to Ross." Stiles almost asked why, glad he stopped his lips.
"Oh," he let out after another moment. "You think he'll let you go?" Derek smiled bleakly.
"He can't stop me."
"Oh," he repeated blankly. "Well what about me? Do I get to go home?"
"That's why we have to talk to Ross."
"Oh." Derek rolled his eyes quickly. "You think I'll have to stay for the rest of the month?" One shoulder lifted and dropped in a shrug. "This sucks," Stiles muttered again.
"Yeah," Derek agreed.

Aiden looked far too happy as he pulled open the door and it immediately made Stiles feel worse.
"Stiles!" he greeted, sounding thrilled by his very presence, "And…Derek. Hey guys." He frowned quickly then, one hand falling to his hip as he squinted at them. "Uh. What's up?"
"Can we speak to Ross?" Aiden nodded after a long beat of silence.
"Yeah. Yeah of course. He's in his office." It was another moment before he stepped back to let them in, sighing as he did. "I was packing," he murmured, following them to the staircase. Stiles wondered why he sounded so upset about it. Derek didn't comment and it left Stiles feeling as he should.
"Sounds therapeutic," he offered weakly. Aiden took the lead, shaking his head slowly.
"Yeah," he let out. At the top of the steps he pointed them, "Second door on the right." Stiles didn't realize until later that this was strictly for his benefit. Ross pulled open the door with a smile as Stiles approached.
"Stiles, Derek, what can I do for you?"
"We need to talk to you," Derek murmured, guiding Stiles in with a hand to the small of his back.
"Oh," Ross allowed, expression falling. "I know that tone." He stepped back and gestured to a sofa just to the left of the door. Once Stiles and Derek were seated Ross lowered himself into the chair adjacent to them. "So," he exhaled, pressing his fingers together under his chin, "what's happened?"
"I spoke to my uncle," Derek told him. Ross looked surprised but only for a moment.
"And?" he questioned.
"He wants me to come home."

Ross looked to Stiles then, as if he immediately knew what that meant. Maybe he did.
"You can't take Stiles with you unless you've mated."
"I know," Derek said before Stiles could even really picture Derek taking him with him.
"Of course you wouldn't need my permission to mate," Ross murmured. "So that's not why you're here." Derek shook his head. "Oh Derek," Ross sighed. "I don't know what's going to happen if you separate. The only thing I can tell you is it will not be good for either one of you."
"This isn't good for either of us either." Ross sighed.
"Not true. The bond is thriving between you." Stiles frowned slightly.
"You can tell that? Wait it is?"
"Yes. And yes. You're both practically vibrating with it." He shifted a bit in his chair. "It's actually making me a bit uncomfortable to be honest. Why you don't just-" He cut off sharply, eyes dropping. He cleared his throat and shook his head once. "Not my place. Sorry."
"Why don't we just what?" Stiles had to ask, glancing between him and Derek.
"Mate," Ross admitted after a moment, "and figure the rest out from there."
"Because our families are on opposite sides of the country." Ross nodded once, almost unwillingly.
"Yes well that's true; long distance would not do well for mates. But couldn't you just…follow him temporarily?"
"It's too dangerous," Derek said, "hunters go where wolves go. You know that. Not to mention the dangers of going back to solitary life. And the danger to him and his father as well."
"Having Stiles as your mate would not leave you in a solitary life Derek. But your other points are valid I'm afraid."

"The danger to me?" Stiles questioned. "What danger to me?"
"Wolves with human mates are one thing to hunters, easy targets," Derek murmured. "It would be easy to dangle your father as bait, then you, eventually getting to me." Stiles repressed a shiver, not really wanting to know why Derek knew that.
"Oh," he settled on finally. Ross stood, pacing to his desk and back. His hands settled on his hips and several moments passed in silence.
"If you are sure this is the only course of action," he paused and Derek didn't argue, "then we will keep Stiles for a week after your departure, just to make sure that the effects are something he can handle. Then he will be returned home." He paced back to his desk, picking up a pen. "When are you leaving?"
"I'll have to call my uncle, a few days maybe."
"What do you mean effects?" Stiles questioned, sidetracked. Ross glanced up, pen hovering.
"We're not sure. Anxiety, insomnia, physical pain, maybe depression. If it's too bad we'll sedate you until the month is over."
"Comforting," Stiles offered dryly.
"But he'll be okay?" Derek questioned.
"As okay as he can be," Ross said. Stiles wasn't comforted by that either. "I'll only say it once again; I do not suggest this course of action Derek."

They left Ross' office with Peter's phone number. Stiles was a bit in awe that they would be using cell phones to get in touch. What he expected, he wasn't really sure. Aiden was on the top step of the porch, elbows on his knees. He tore a hand through his hair as they stepped out.
"I'm sorry," Derek offered. Aiden nodded before pushing off the step and turning towards them.
"Sorry?" Stiles echoed, "What are you sorry for?"
"Packs are tight knit," Aiden offered, "units of cohesion. We lean on each other and we need each other. Derek leaving is going to cause some discord within the pack."
"Okay. Makes sense."
"Aiden is much more integral to the pack," Derek continued, "much closer to the heart of it." Stiles only tried to pretend he was following for a moment.
"And?"
"Derek leaves, causing discourse, I leave too, it puts stress on top of a fracture."
"Which he's unwilling to do."
"Oh," Stiles allowed very quietly. "So you can't leave then?"
"I still could," Aiden allowed, lips pinching, "but no I won't."
"Is it true?" a voice cut in.
"You heard me say it Evie," Aiden exhaled, not turning to look as Derek and Stiles did. The girl nearly ten feet from the porch was all but grinning, clearly delighted with this development. Stiles realized this must be Genevieve. "It doesn't change anything," Aiden continued, tone turning frigid. "I meant what I said. I won't be changing my mind." She scowled then, arms crossing tightly.
"You say that now," she challenged, "we've been best friends for all our lives Aiden."
"No," Aiden let out quietly, "I was your best friend. You just stuck around as long as it was convenient."
"That's not true."
"Get out of here," Aiden snapped, eyes glowing, "I have boxes to unpack." Genevieve stepped back, visibly shaken.
"Fine!" she growled in response.

She was gone in the next second and the door behind them slammed, Aiden disappearing too.
"Damn," Stiles exhaled, "that was dramatic."
"They're both fools," Derek exhaled, stepping around him and descending the steps. Stiles followed after another moment.
"How so? She seems like a bitch to me."
"She took him for granted. And he let her."
"That seems overly simplified and a bit harsh," Stiles allowed.
"You want harsh Stiles? They're both here they both have feelings for each other and they're still not together. What about us huh? What would you give for us to be in their shoes?" Stiles' jaw fell open and Derek kept walking, leaving him behind. His feet started again slowly as he blew out a sigh. Part of him knew the whole Aiden Genevieve thing wasn't that simple. But at least they were together. They had the opportunity to try and keep trying if it didn't work. There weren't ties on either end of the United States tugging them apart. Stiles' chest ached and he sighed again as his eyes caught Derek moving through the trees rather than going back to the house. He didn't have to think before following after him once again.

They walked for what felt like hours. Finally Derek stopped, leaning against a tree and staring at the ground. Stiles stopped too, plopping onto the ground gracelessly and quietly trying to catch his breath.
"I know we talked about going for a walk," he panted out quietly, "this wasn't quite what I pictured."
"You didn't have to follow me," Derek told him. Stiles didn't bother arguing, watching him instead. "This is it," Derek said finally.
"This is what?" Stiles glanced around again but he didn't recognize anything.
"This is where I first saw you." Stiles' stomach curled.
"What?" he looked around again, still not seeing it. "But…the creek? Where's the creek?" Derek smiled for just a second.
"It's further ahead." Stiles gaped.
"What do you mean it's up ahead?" One of Derek's eyebrows shifted up, appraising him. "I remember it pretty clearly," Stiles challenged, "I fell in the creek then Shane and then you."
"I saw you here," Derek said, "first." Stiles' head rocked back as he tried to understand.
"You stalked me?" Derek smiled a split second again.
"I followed you for a bit, yes."
"Why?"
"Because I wanted you Stiles. I wanted you." He crossed his arms and huffed out a breath. "I didn't want to want you. But I did. And then Shane," he all but growled it, "he was too close to you and I couldn't bear it."
"So you challenged him."
"Yes." There were a few beats of silence. Stiles had no idea what to say. "You looked at me. Then you ran from me. Instincts kicked in Stiles I couldn't stop." Stiles closed his eyes and cradled his forehead in his palm.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Why shouldn't I?"
"Because it hurts," Stiles all but flung the words out, so eager to stop the pain.

He covered his eyes with both hands and breathed out slowly. "It's not supposed to be like this," he muttered morosely. "Life isn't supposed to be this cruel." Stiles didn't hear Derek cross to him. He felt the impact of Derek hitting the dirt.
"I'm sorry," he breathed out. Derek's hands touched him tentatively, pulling him forward and into his lap. "I just want you to know the truth Stiles."
"It's not supposed to be like this," Stiles repeated, "you're supposed to find someone and fall in love and it's just supposed to work. The big kiss, fireworks, a fucking wedding…" Derek didn't say anything and Stiles cut off his rambling, horrified. "That would have been a prime time to tell me to shut up," he mumbled before burying his face in Derek's shoulder. Derek tugged at his knees until Stiles was straddling him comfortably, his hands moving to Stiles' back and pulling him even closer.
"I tell you to shut up we're both just going to sit here and not say anything at all."
"Well you say something then," Stiles muttered petulantly.
"Did you miss the whole start of that speech?" Derek questioned low in his ear.
"Fair point," Stiles allowed after a minute of silence. "How was it supposed to end?" Stiles questioned, unable not to. Derek went tense for a few moments, eventually shifting and tugging Stiles' chin up.
"Like this," he said, pressing his lips to Stiles' softly.

Stiles didn't know how long it went on. He didn't know how long they kissed. These moments now felt like all he would need for…forever. Derek finally slowed and backed off about an inch. He stayed right in Stiles' space, still sharing his air. "I love you," he breathed, just between them. Stiles made a sound; he wasn't even sure how to identify it.
"God," he let out, all but collapsing against him. "I love you too," he admitted. His fingertips tingled at the admission and Stiles wondered if this was shock. Was this what going into shock felt like?
"Stiles," Derek pressed a kiss to his jaw before biting at his neck and pulling back. "You weren't supposed to…" He let the sentence drift, exhaling between gritted teeth.
"I know," Stiles agreed. "But you weren't either."
"Like I ever had a chance."
"Well once I got past you being such a dick all the time," Stiles aimed for teasing but missed. Derek hummed in agreement.
"I was a dick." Stiles gasped.
"First you admit to stalking and then being a dick, we're making such progress."
"You need some new jokes," Derek muttered, "these ones suck."
"According to you."
"I have to admit, this isn't how I thought this conversation was going to go. But I guess I should have known that I can't predict you."
"I can't deal with emotional stress. You should know this by now."
"So you crack jokes. Bad jokes."
"And avoid, avoid, avoid. It's worked pretty well so far."
"Speaking of avoiding."

Derek shifted again, reaching into his pocket.
"I know it's not much of a replacement," he said, pressing something small and smooth into Stiles' hand. Stiles curled his fingers around it, just catching the edges of Derek's fingertips. It was cold to the touch and Stiles explored the dip of it, stomach sinking as he thought of the very few things it could be. His eyes slid down slow, a mostly white shell laying against his fingertips. He exhaled softly, curling his fingers and flipping it over. The back of the shell was streaked brown. Derek must have found it in the lake. Stiles couldn't breathe then. "Shells in the lake aren't quite the same," Derek said, tone apologetic. Stiles inhaled quickly and tried to say something, choking on the words instead.
"Fuck," finally came out, even though it was a bit mangled, "Derek. Fuck. You. Just." He clutched the shell so hard the edge dug into his palm. His eyes were burning and he squeezed them tightly closed. Pain was rioting. "Derek," he managed again weakly.
"Shh," Derek returned, rubbing a hand up and down his back again.
"I don't want you to leave," he managed, voice thick with the tears he was trying to keep in.
"I know." Derek sighed and let his forehead rest on Stiles' shoulder for a moment, "I don't really want to leave either. I'm terrified of going back. But it's the best thing for right now. I have to."
"No I know…I have to leave too. I just…" Derek hummed in agreement again and Stiles swiped at his eyes with his free hands. "Wish it was different," he managed.
"For now this is the way things are," Derek breathed finally.

Stiles was trying so hard not to fall asleep. It was dark, cool; the ground was swaying under him as Derek carried him through the woods once again. Stiles clutched the edge of Derek's jacket and blinked rapidly. This was probably the last time this was going to happen. He couldn't just let go and fall asleep like it was all okay. He needed this. He needed every moment possible. "You can go to sleep." Derek ducked under a branch. "It's okay. I've got you."
"Nope," Stiles exhaled, "not even that tired."
"Sure you're not," Derek murmured, obviously amused.
"'M not. Shut up you didn't even sleep last night. What were you watching me sleep or somethin?" Derek didn't answer and Stiles' eyes widened in the darkness. "You were?" he gasped, a slow surge of adrenaline working its way through his brain.
"Shut up you always make me sound so creepy," Derek let out.
"Well watching someone sleep is creepy okay. I'm gonna watch you sleep tonight and I bet you won't even be able to sleep with me watching you. Will you? No you won't."
"I'm glad you can hold conversations with yourself now."

Stiles stuck out his tongue.
"I don't need your input if I know you're wrong."
"You don't know I'm wrong."
"Yeah I do."
"As soon as I hit that bed I'm gonna pass out. You wanna help me out your lazy ass can walk back through the woods."
"I can't see and you're the one who walked all the way out here," Stiles pointed out.
"One day I'm gonna get the romance thing right." Stiles tongue tangled in his teeth as he tried to respond.
"You're adorable," he finally settled on. Derek scoffed.
"Shut up."
"You are. Werewolves are supposed to be anyways, ask any teenage girl."
"Why do you know the opinions of teenage girls?" It was Stiles' turn to scoff.
"Shut up. Everyone knows the opinion of teenage girls cause they never shut up."
"I don't."
"Do you even know any teenage girls?"
"Yeah," Derek said, "you." Stiles squawked.
"You're being a dick again." Derek bent closer.
"You love it."
"I'm not talking to you anymore," Stiles sniffed, emitting what was nearly a squeak when Derek bit his ear. He couldn't help a soft laugh, guiding Derek's head down and kissing the side of his mouth.

Stiles might have drifted off, just a bit. He woke up when Derek tried to extract his arm from between Stiles' body and the mattress. "Hey where you going?" he mumbled.
"Taking my clothes off. You mind?" Stiles' lips curled.
"Nope." He managed to unbutton his jeans and kick off one of his shoes by the time Derek dropped back onto the mattress. Stiles glared at him halfheartedly. "Werewolf," he muttered. He went back to his other shoe, sighing when it finally slid off his foot and thumped to the floor.
"Still not tired huh?" Derek questioned, face half in the pillow. Stiles groaned.
"You're very annoying you know that."
"I thought you were going to watch me sleep and creep me out."
"Yes well I've decided to take mercy on you because I know that you are exhausted." Derek sighed and pulled him closer, ripping his jeans off lazily. Stiles wriggled out of the ruined pants, settling closer to Derek. "Thanks," he sighed.
"Mm."
"At this rate I'm going to have to go shopping before I even go home," Stiles sighed regretfully.
"Need to anyways. Pants are too loose on you. Make you look homeless." Stiles half frowned.
"Hadn't noticed. Thanks for the insult?" Derek tossed an arm over Stiles' ribs, hauling him closer after a moment.
"Easy," he breathed out, "falling back into this."
"Mmmm you mean the part where we banter playfully instead of quietly admitting our feelings for each other deep in the woods."
"Obviously," Derek allowed, kissing his cheek. "Go to sleep. Now."
"Bossy," Stiles mumbled, but he tucked his leg between Derek's anyways pulling the sheet up and closing his eyes.

The sun was just coming up when Stiles woke up. He glanced around the room enough to ascertain that Derek was still in bed with him and still asleep before closing his eyes and snuggling back in. He was back asleep in moments. The second time he woke up was much the same. Unfortunately the third wasn't. Derek was awake but hadn't moved. He appeared to be watching the ceiling. Stiles groaned quietly, tossing a hand over his eyes. "I don't want to know what you're thinking about do I?"
"I have to call Peter," Derek said finally. Stiles slapped his other hand over his eyes too.
"I knew I didn't want to know," he groaned again.
"I'll go make some breakfast," Derek said, sitting up, "and call him. You can stay here."
"Are you crazy?" Stiles demanded. "You're calling him right now and I'm gonna sit here with you. Let's get this over with." Derek visibly hesitated.
"You sure?" Stiles rolled his eyes.
"Of course I'm sure. Like I'm just gonna let you do this alone."
"Huh," Derek let out, running a hand through his hair before pushing off the bed and going to the closet for his jacket. He pulled his phone out and returned to bed, flipping it open and sighing.
"You can totally do this," Stiles told him. "Be…aggressive. Not too…aggressive. That maybe wasn't the best cheer to go with." Derek blinked at him.
"Did you seriously. Just. Do a cheer."
"I can try to do a cartwheel if you want. Not guaranteeing it will end well."
"Stop," Derek exhaled, closing his eyes, "please just stop."
"He's surly he's smart but he's really got a lot of heart he's Derek. Yeah, yeah, he's Derek?" Derek rolled his eyes, lips fighting a smile as he did.
"I shudder to think how your mind works." Stiles made a face, swatting at Derek when a pillow slapped into his face.
"Alright I've done my part and lightened the mood," Stiles sighed, "it's your turn. Unless you want to put this whole thing off until next week. Because I would not be wholly opposed."

Derek sobered quickly, eyes dropping to the phone in his hands. Stiles sighed and scooted closer, resting his head on Derek's shoulder. "Seriously though, I'm right here." Derek nodded, thumb navigating his phone slowly. He hesitated a long moment before pressing the last button and putting it to his ear. Stiles could faintly hear as it rang once before connecting. Derek tensed and Stiles slipped his arm through Derek's, leaning on him a bit more.
"Hello?"
"Uncle Peter," Derek said after a moment of silence that felt strained.
"Derek," Peter returned and he sounded so happy Stiles couldn't help a smile. "It's good to hear your voice again." Derek's lips opened but nothing came out. "Are you," Peter continued after another moment, "Have you changed your mind?"
"If you're sure that everyone wants me back," Derek let out slowly, "then yes." He looked to Stiles and Stiles nodded, hoping his expression was encouraging. "Yes I've changed my mind." There were several moments of silence. Stiles could hear his heart beating painfully loud.
"Derek," Peter finally said, voice strained, "you're coming home."
"Yeah," Derek agreed quietly, ducking his head slightly.
"When?" Peter questioned next, "When can we leave?" He'd recovered quickly and his excitement blared through the phone. It made Stiles' stomach twist.
"Uh…tom-"
"What?" Stiles hissed. Derek froze, eyes flicking to Stiles. "Not tomorrow," Stiles pleaded, "Derek please not tomorrow I can't." He was clutching him suddenly, lungs locked up and unable to breathe. It felt so much like a panic attack, only staved off when Derek said,
"Not tomorrow, ah…a few days." Stiles' chest loosened suddenly, sucking air in as his body sagged.
"Okay," Peter agreed quickly, "fantastic. I'll just come by Monday then?"
"Okay."
"Good. I'll see you soon Derek."
"See you," Derek agreed.

He clicked his phone closed and sighed before falling back to the wall, tugging Stiles with him. "I thought my heart was going to explode," Derek admitted. He took Stiles' hand and laid it over his chest. His heart was pounding out a rhythm so fast it made Stiles' head ache.
"You're fine," he said, "you're going home. Home Derek."
"Home," Derek echoed quietly. "It feels like none of this is actually happening. Like it's all some weird dream. I don't even know if I want to wake up."
"I know what you mean," Stiles let out, "I can't even imagine going home. After all of this." Derek was quiet for a few seconds.
"I'm sort of excited. Part of me at least," he whispered. "And it feels wrong to be excited. Isn't it?"
"No," Stiles said after a long moment, "going home is gonna be good for you. I can feel it. I almost wish I could be there to see it."
"But I have to leave you."
"I know." Stiles sat up and smirked down at him. "It's actually sort of nice, you doing the leaving. Now I get to play the victim and you have to twirl your mustache." Derek didn't comment on the obvious fault in the beat of his heart and Stiles was grateful.
"If I had a mustache you'd never let the creepy comments go." Stiles barked out a quick laugh.
"Um hello no one would. Small children would scream in terror." Suddenly Stiles was picturing Derek in a bowler with a thick mustache curled at the tips with his leather jacket and jeans, creeping on the edge of a park. "Oh god," he exhaled; face scrunching as his lips curled in another grin.
"I don't want to know," Derek told him. "I'm going to shower." He slapped Stiles with a pillow again before easing from bed. Stiles just laughed to himself, trying to clear the image from his mind.

Stiles was settled on the futon with a book, because he honestly didn't know what to do with himself, when Derek descended the stairs.
"So," Derek paused halfway down and leaned against the banister. "What do you want to do today?" Stiles glanced back to the book.
"Um. I don't really know?" Derek nodded and dropped down the rest of the steps before wandering into the kitchen.
"Well it won't take me long to pack," he called before appearing with a pack of Pop Tarts, "and I don't really feel like doing that today anyways."
"What do you feel like doing?"
"I asked you first."
"Well then I want really hot goodbye sex." That earned Stiles a glower that was oddly reminiscent of Tapioca. Somehow more fond though. He blew out a sigh. "No more sex then? The drunk sex was the last?"
"The drunk part was your idea. And yes."
"That's depressing. It also means it's your job to come up with a plan because I had an idea. That you cruelly shot down."
"For your own safety," Derek reminded him dryly.
"You know you've used that excuse like fifty times and it's old. You've never really hurt me and even if you did sex is an excellent pain reliever. At least I've heard that. I haven't had a ton of chances to experiment with it. What do you say?" Derek rolled his eyes in response.
"And if we actually mate and you have to come to Maine with me? Never see your dad or friends again?"
"That could be a problem if I even knew how to 'actually' mate," Stiles pointed out, using air quotes. "No one's ever given me the werewolf birds and bees." Derek's glare was mellow again. Stiles bit at his smile.
"Think of something else you goofball."
"Goofball? I am wounded."

A/N: Okay well now that I've put it off as long as humanly possible, which was not the plan at all, angst is on track for next chapter.

Also sorry about the sucking at deadlines. I'm going to try to get better. Seriously.

Gah I'm just so depressed now.

I'm sorry.

I tried to stuff in fluff wherever I could.

:'(

Also thank you all I don't know why you haven't abandoned me yet.