Derek lounged in bed for as long as he could before forcing himself out and dressing, or more accurately pulling on fresh jeans and a shirt.
Someone would be back soon enough and while they'd all seen enough of each other already he was sure it wouldn't be appreciated.
He could still pick Stiles out of the air but the smell concentrated in the sheets was approaching euphoric and he felt intoxicated.
His mate.
His phone started ringing from his jeans, still on the floor.
Inhaling deeply again Derek forced himself up with a quiet groan. Glancing to the screen he couldn't help a loose smile before answering the call.
"Hey Mom," he offered, flopping back to the bed with a huff of an exhale.
"My darling boy," she answered, "how are you?"
"Perfect." He dragged a pillow to his chest with his free arm. "You? Everyone?"
"We're good," he heard the rhythmic click of a spoon against a bowl, "we miss you all."
"What are you making?" he questioned, tongue curling absently.
"Peanut butter cookies."
He groaned enthusiastically.
"Moooooom," he whined.
She laughed warmly.
"Stop pouting and talk to your father."
There was a brief struggle and a smack, his mother growling and his father laughing as he finally took the phone.
"Hey Derek. Delicious as always love."
Derek scowled.
"I hope you get salmonella," his mother returned.
"And you'll be right here to nurse me back to health if I do," his father said, receiving another smack.
"I hope you get salmonella too," Derek tossed in, smoothing the pillow he'd put in a death grip.
His father only chuckled.
"Comforting as it is to feel your love, you both know I can't catch salmonella."
"Pity," Derek returned easily.
"So how's California?"
Derek smiled against his will.
"It's good," he said. "Really good."
"You sound content."
"I am," Derek hazarded after another moment.
"Bringing anyone home for Christmas?"
Derek was overwhelmed for several moments, thinking of Christmas with his family and Stiles.
"Yeah," he finally managed, "yeah I think so."

They stayed on the phone for almost an hour before his father had to go, his mother elbow deep in enough cookies for half the pack, so Derek said his goodbyes and rolled over again.
As one of the trucks rolled down the drive Derek managed to shove his discarded clothes beneath the bed before making his way downstairs.
Curtis took one sniff before smiling.
"Congrats bro," he offered, clapping his shoulder.
Derek ducked his chin, face heating.
"Thanks."
"I've never seen you like this," Curtis added. "Really, congratulations. He's the one for you."
He tugged him into a hug, ruffling his hair quickly.
Derek growled, slapping him on the ribs playfully before squirming from his hold.
"If I can do it so can you," Derek tossed back, nearly running into Devon.
"Whoa," Devon let out, waving a hand under his nose. "Way to seal the deal Derek."
"I'm sorry?" Derek let out, brain refusing to cooperate.
"Just didn't expect you to lift your tail and give it up, that's all," he muttered, shrugging out of his jacket and passing Derek to toss it over the banister.
For several seconds Derek still couldn't think, ears buzzing faintly.
"What did you just say to me?" he finally managed, teeth tangling in his lips as they elongated.
Devon's reply was forcibly cut off by Derek shoving him into the nearest wall, keeping him pinned easily.
"Hey if that's what you're into," Devon offered, laughing weakly, "but I'm never rolling over for anyone."
"Whoa, whoa," Landon cut in, taking one of Derek's arms.
Henry took the other and they pulled him off.
"Easy Derek," Henry ordered quietly. "Be calm."
Derek snarled shortly in response.
Landon shoved Devon back into the wall lightly.
"You don't talk about someone's mate you shit, especially when they've just finished the bond. What is wrong with you?"
He pushed Devon again, Devon smacking at his hand and snapping his teeth.
"Just because you've never even come close to sharing that bond with someone," Landon barked out, "doesn't mean you should presume to know what it means."
Devon laughed, looking to Henry.
"At least Henry knows what I mean, right man?"
Henry didn't answer, a scowl twisting his face briefly.
"Maybe you should go run the perimeter," he offered stiffly.
"We'll go together," Landon said, more or less yanking him towards the back door.

Derek forced himself to calm down in increments. He was surprised that his was not the only racing heart in the room.
"Are you alright?" Henry's were words clipped short. He made his way into the kitchen before Derek had answered and Derek followed.
"I'm fine. He just doesn't understand. Like Landon said."
"Beer?" Henry asked then, pulling open the fridge.
"Sure."
He studied Henry for a long moment.
Outward he was cool as ice, face completely composed, eyes sharp as always. But his heart was still beating too fast. And he had to know Derek knew. Even if he didn't show it.
"Henry," he began as a cool bottle was pressed into his hand, "did you meet someone?"
Henry yanked the cap off with his teeth and stuck it in his pocket. His grimace was there and gone before he took a long swig. He lowered the bottle again and swallowed.
It took Derek another moment to realize he wasn't getting an answer.
"Are you alright?"
Henry didn't answer that either.
He paced a few steps before turning back.
"If he keeps up the attitude we'll have a talk."
Derek was well aware that talk did not mean talk. He took a sip rather than arguing.
"We're a tight unit here," Henry continued, "we don't have any room for dissonance."
"I agree." He listened as Henry's heart finally found its usual rhythm, though it didn't make him feel any better. "We are a tight unit here. So if something is wrong," he paused as Henry turned away, "you can lean on us."
Henry nodded once, mouth bowed, but he still didn't say a word.
Derek let him walk away.

Derek finished his beer and then drifted upstairs to try and kill more time.
It didn't really work.
Finally he sighed in defeat and tugged his shoes on before jogging back down the stairs.
Grace was sitting in the living room and tossed him a halfhearted wave as he left.
He was rather glad not to see anyone else.
Running was good for two reasons: no car to hide and plenty of endorphins to focus on.
By the time he got to the Stilinski house he was happy again, slipping through Stiles' window easily.
Stiles was in bed, laptop open next to him.
"Hey," he said, grinning.
Derek didn't even bother taking off his shoes before easing himself over Stiles' computer and laying his body over his mate like a blanket.
He tucked his face right into Stiles' throat and inhaled deeply, humming in pleasure.
"Hi," he let out simply.
"I wasn't expecting you so soon."
Rather than admit that he really shouldn't be here right now, Derek started mouthing at his neck lazily.
Stiles' hand came to rest at the base of his skull, head sliding so Derek had more access.
"I know we're supposed to be playing it careful," he said finally, "I just want to be with you and…" he drifted. There didn't seem to be a non corny way to finish that sentence. "Well that's pretty much it," he finished, tracing a vein with the tip of his tongue.
"Why do I feel like this is heading towards sex again?" Stiles laughed.
Derek couldn't help the flash of irritation that shot through him.
Stiles tensed beneath him.
"What? Are you alright?"
"No I'm fine. Everything's fine."

Stiles pushed him up and followed only to cross his arms over his chest.
"I'm sorry did you miss the part where we're mated now and we're sharing this super awesome werewolf bond that actually means I can feel your feelings?"
Derek sighed.
"No, that's pretty clear in my memory."
Stiles rolled his eyes quickly.
"Okay good, so spill."
"It's nothing," Derek repeated. "Devon just…doesn't understand."
"Doesn't understand what exactly?"
"It's none of his business."
It was a weak dodge and Stiles knew it too.
He uncrossed his arms just to huff and cross them again, eyes narrowed.
"He may have made some allusions to me rolling over and lifting my tail," Derek finally admitted.
"He what," Stiles demanded.
Derek resisted the urge to laugh.
"I told you he doesn't understand. Yeah it pissed me off but…if he doesn't understand then he doesn't understand."
"What so because you're a werewolf-"
"No-"
"Because you're bigger than me-"
"No-"
"What, because you're stronger? And how did he even know anyways?"
He did smile then, just a little.
"Stiles I reek of you," he said bluntly.
"Well that's fucking archaic anyways," Stiles nearly snarled the words, his cheeks flushed dark, "I don't have to be the girl in this relationship 24/7."
Derek felt his eyebrows move up in amusement against his will.
"Stiles you're not-"
"Which is not to say that women should take the more submissive role in their relationship. I don't believe that at all. But I'm just- You know what I'm saying, right?"

Derek uncrossed his arms and took Stiles' hands in his own, massaging gently.
"Yes I do. Now will you listen for a second?"
"Fine," Stiles sniffed.
"Our relationship is our relationship. I don't make decisions for you. You don't make decisions for me. There's not some systematic male/female dynamic working here."
"Except when I'm hurt," Stiles said, eyebrows raised.
Derek bit the inside of his cheek.
"We talked about that. And came to an agreement. Remember?"
"But you still want us to move to Maine."
Derek exhaled slowly.
"Yes I want that. But as I've already said it's something for us to figure out together. Remember?"
"I suppose you have a point," Stiles allowed, smiling slowly.
"While we're discussing things," Derek changed the subject abruptly. "My father asked if you'd come to Maine for Christmas. Schedule allowing obviously."
He heard the kick of Stiles' heart and tried not to get anxious.
"Um. Well I'd have to ask my dad. But…yeah. I mean, that could be really cool."
"It's just an option," Derek tried to insist, but already his chest was expanding with the happiness bubbling up. Just the thought of it made it hard to breathe. "I'd like it," he added, "very much."
"I mean we've already mated and everything. So…meeting the family is no big deal. Right?" he asked, voice cracking.
Derek pulled him closer, mouth curled.
"They already love you Stiles. They wouldn't have done all this otherwise."
"Right yeah. Of course."
"You can meet the rest of the pack too."
Stiles squeaked.
"You were a wreck before meeting my dad. And Scott. So don't be a dick."
"Stiles you have nothing to worry about. You're adorable and I love you. It will only be a matter of time before they love you more than me anyways."
Stiles scowled for a second.
"I'm not a chipmunk, don't call me adorable."
Derek had to laugh, kissing him quickly.
"Whatever you say."

…

"Oh Jesus," Stiles panted out, falling into a tree for support, "I forgot how much I hate this."
"You've done this before?" Scott wheezed, hauling his inhaler out and uncapping it with shaky hands.
Derek jogged back to them, offering Stiles the water bottle.
Stiles shot him a glare that was halfhearted at best.
Scott shoved his inhaler back in his pocket and pointed at Derek.
"You…are…evil."
"I really don't care what you think," Derek returned with a patronizing smile, "you're just here so the Sheriff knows we're not having sex."
Scott groaned, loudly. He even retched twice.
Stiles spit a thin stream of water at Derek before taking another drink.
"Stop being a douche," he panted.
"You two are a little pathetic."
"Hey," Scott and Stiles protested in sync.
"You're a werewolf you don't get to say that," Scott wheezed at him.
Stiles spit another stream of water.
"I can't believe I mated with you," Stiles added.
"Yeah seriously," Scott shoved hair out of his face, "you have horrible taste in men bro."
"Agreed." Stiles tossed the water bottle back at Derek's head before offering his fist for Scott to bump.
"We have another mile before the break," Derek reminded them.
"Oh god. Shut up. Just shut up."
"I'm not the one who wants you on first line," Derek tossed over his shoulder as he started jogging again.
"I changed my mind," Scott told him, "I don't want first line. It's not worth it."
"No, no, come on. You're not leaving me alone with him."
"I think he's running us…to death."
"Then first line must be heaven," Stiles grunted, taking a fistful of Scott's shirt and yanking him along.

They didn't quite make the loop Derek had set for them.
Stiles limped along beside him as they walked the rest.
Scott was passed out on his back.
"Are we almost to the car?"
"Almost," Derek sighed, hefting Scott a few inches higher.
"Thank god. We are never doing this again. I'm sorry we just have to break up Derek."
"You're not as funny as you think you are," Derek returned easily.
"I can't make first line. I'm not built for it. Do you see how freaking svelte I am?"
"I've noticed."
"Exactly," Stiles cried out, smacking his arm. "I can't do it. I give up. Challenge denied."
"Hm," Derek let out, lips quirking.
"What?"
"I don't believe you for a second."
"You totally should I am 110% serious right now."
"Mmhm."
"That's not his serious voice," Scott felt the need to add.
"I'm aware. Thank you Scott."
"You're supposed to be asleep you traitor!" Stiles leaned up to smack the back of his head.
Scott groaned pathetically in response.
Derek pushed Stiles away gently, feeling weirdly protective of Scott.
"And you!" Stiles continued, swaying back and smacking Derek again, "You don't have to be such a Nazi slave driver overlord about it!"
"Oh I'm sorry," Derek laughed, "is the gentle approach going to work with you? How do you feel about going for a little run today Sweetie? We can stop as soon as you're tired," he cooed.
"He has a point," Scott muttered.
"Oh shut up, I hate you both."
Derek had the feeling Scott was smiling too.
"That's not your serious voice either," Scott sang.

Rather than answering Stiles hurried the last few feet to the Camaro and plastered himself over the hood.
"I missed you," he sighed.
"I'm gonna set you down, okay?"
"Kay," Scott sighed, wincing as Derek eased him to the ground.
Derek squeezed his shoulders for just a moment, easing away some of the pain.
"Hey!" Stiles cried, shoving off the hood. "Don't think I didn't see that! Do me!"
"Oh now you want me to?" Derek questioned, fishing his keys out and unlocking the car.
"I do not want to know," Scott mumbled, falling into the backseat.
"You can't do Scott and not me that's not fair! Derek…" he whined.
"You told me you wanted to get through the pain on your own. Scott told me no such thing."
"He doesn't even know you can heal people!"
"Well now he does. Scott you have a problem with me healing you?"
"Nope."
"Great. I only took a little anyways."
Stiles pouted.
"Plus Scott's never worked out with me before."
Stiles made an undignified noise in the back of his throat.
"Doesn't that mean I should get more healing than him?"
"You said you didn't want it," Derek reminded him gently.
"Without permission," Stiles insisted. "I'm giving you permission."
"You're impossible."
Still Derek bent to kiss his brow, hands sliding down his arms in slow, hot streaks.
"Thanks," Stiles whispered, kissing his cheek quickly.
"I'm pretty sure this is cheating on some level," Derek said.
Stiles ignored him, tucking Scott's legs into the car and closing the door.
"Come on, I'm famished."

They headed back to Derek's, Scott taking the pack in with a bemused expression as they all adopted him immediately.
"He looks like a puppy!" Grace cooed, visibly restraining herself from pinching his cheeks.
Stiles was laughing uncontrollably at that for nearly a minute.
When he saw what he and Scott were eating for dinner his humor vanished.
"What is this," he questioned, "what is all that green stuff? And what is that purple stuff? I don't even feed this to my dad Derek."
"Relax there's chicken for you to put in. And some dressing."
"Salad," Stiles was offended. "You're feeding me salad? Is that a blueberry?"
"Nutrients. Antioxidants. Protein."
"Why?"
"I did research."
"Derek, please."
"It smells good," Scott offered helpfully.
Stiles hissed at him.
Derek couldn't help but smile.
"And what exactly are you all eating?" Stiles demanded.
"We're not trying to make first line," Derek told him.
The truck was pulling up. Landon and Eden were back with the pizzas.
"I don't care," Stiles snarled adorably, his finger stabbing into Derek's chest. "What are you all eating?"
"There was a special," Derek stalled. "Your blueberries were expensive."
"Special on what?"
"They're organic."
"Special on what?" Stiles repeated, gritting the words out.
"Pizza's here!" Eden yelled, shoving the door open.

Stiles wasn't speaking to him. He was purposely speaking to everyone but him.
The only contact he got from Stiles during dinner was blueberries flung at his nose, with surprising accuracy.
"And you say you can't make first line," Derek teased, snatching a berry from the air and popping it into his mouth.
Stiles turned his nose up before deliberately looking down at his salad.
From the looks of it his chicken was already gone. Derek wondered if he had any blueberries left as Stiles abandoned his fork and shoved a piece of cabbage into his mouth. Apparently not.
"This salad's really good," Scott enthused, "it tastes so fresh!"
"Awww Puppy likes salad," Grace cooed, reaching over to ruffle his hair.
Scott flushed but kept smiling, oblivious to the glare Stiles was shooting at him.
Derek shook his head and grabbed another slice of pizza, loaded heavy with toppings.
A piece of lettuce fluttered to the tabletop, not heavy enough to make it across to Derek.
He spiked a brow at Stiles and took a huge bite, chewing around a smile.
"I hate you," Stiles declared, crossing his arms.
"Do you know how many miles you'd have to run just to burn off this slice of pizza?" Derek asked him.
"I have a fast metabolism."
"You didn't earlier."
Stiles gasped, offended.
"You could just work out with me more often Stiles. I'm building some pretty good muscle mass. My mom even said so." He offered another grin, dimples showing up in his cheeks.
"I'm sure she did," Stiles brushed him off before glaring at Derek again.
"I bet I could take you," Scott added, chewing a bite of chicken thoughtfully.
Stiles gasped again.
"You could not. I'm scrappier than I look!"
"I don't know you look pretty scrappy Stiles," Landon cut in.
Derek took another bite to keep from laughing.
"Hey!"
"We could find out in the backyard," Henry offered, lips curled in a small smirk.
"What is this gang up on Stiles day?" Stiles demanded.
"Scrabbling and playing is actually quite normal for werewolves. As is running and hunting," Henry said.
"You can scrabble all you want," Stiles huffed, pushing his chair back. "I'm going home."

Derek wiped pizza grease on his thigh before standing.
Stiles pointed an accusing finger at him,
"You were not invited."
Derek's brows pushed up and he tried to kill his amusement. It didn't totally work.
Stiles' eyes narrowed further.
"If I'm not getting pizza you're not getting sex."
Derek glanced to the ceiling briefly, biting his tongue so he didn't smile.
"Your father is the one who wants you on first line Stiles."
"Yes well he's also the one that doesn't want us having sex so I guess he's just batting a thousand, isn't he?"
"You are not using sex as a bargaining chip right now," Derek groaned. "In front of everyone really?"
"They'd hear anyways," Stiles rolled his eyes.
"Scott wouldn't," Landon told him, not even bothering to hide his amusement.
"I'm not trying to punish you Stiles; I'm trying to help you."
"I will not be denied my carbohydrates!"
"You didn't even make it three miles today Stiles!"
Derek looked to Scott; he was trying to achieve the same thing after all and with a much better attitude than Stiles.
Scott caught his gaze and lifted one shoulder.
"Tryouts are in a week and a half, remember?" he questioned gently.
Stiles managed to glare and pout at the same time.
Derek rounded the table carefully, tugging him into a hug.
Stiles bit his shoulder and Derek jumped before chuckling.
"It's a diet not the end of the world. Don't be so grumpy."
"Yeah say that with a stomach full of pizza why don't you?"
"It's not full. I could easily put away another four slices."
Stiles bit him again.
Derek snapped his teeth but resisted biting Stiles, knowing full well this whole discussion would only head in a different direction.
"You still going?"
Stiles sighed at him.
"I guess not."
"Good," Grace said, standing as well. "We're having target practice."
"In the dark?" Scott questioned.
"Hello, werewolves," Landon laughed.
"Oh. Right."

Stiles and Scott mostly had to entertain themselves as they couldn't actually see who was winning.
Derek had run a commentary for a few minutes but eventually gave that up as the two devolved into a poking war.
When Curtis looked to him he lifted one shoulder in a shrug and took a turn.
It was nearly an hour before Eden was declared the winner and Derek couldn't help the shock that ran through him.
Henry was the best shot and they all knew it. But he was obviously distracted. And not talking. Derek threw a significant glance to Curtis, who nodded. It wasn't Derek's place and he still didn't want it to be.
Instead he walked Stiles and Scott out to Stiles' jeep, kissed Stiles too fleetingly, and ran the perimeter.

…

Stiles was vibrating with nervous energy, bouncing up and down on his feet, heart racing along in his chest. It was enough to bleed into Derek and he had to physically stop himself from touching Stiles to try and soothe him.
A surprising amount of people had turned up for lacrosse tryouts.
"I mean-I mean it's not a big deal anyways right?" Stiles was saying, mouth practically blurring around the words. "I mean my dad said we don't actually have to breakup if I don't make first line it's just about me not dedicating all my time to you and ya know humping like rabbits and stuff-"
"He said that?" Derek blurted, cutting him off.
Stiles laughed breathlessly.
"Jesus no. But it takes the pressure off right? I mean you would think it would but I don't really know that it actually did. I mean Derek I had a dream I was running down the field and my shorts were suddenly gone. There I was in my jersey and cleats waving my stick all over the place-" he cut off, lips pursed, "I could have said that better. The stick that I need both hands to use, heh."
"I don't think your shorts are going to magically disappear Stiles."
Stiles flailed a bit before slapping his arm.
"Shut up I know that! But it's scary in the dream Jesus."
"Stiles, you'll be fine. Do you want a kiss for luck?"
Was it sad he was only half teasing?
"No! I need to be focused! Jesus Derek are you trying to get me benched! Just-go sit with my dad or something!"

Derek frowned quickly.
"I don't want to sit with your dad."
"It's either that or your fan club."
"I don't-"
"Ladies!" Stiles called, waving over Derek's shoulder.
There was a burst of overly feminine laughter.
Derek glared before invading Stiles' space and hauling him closer by his hips, hands slipping around to cup his ass firmly.
Stiles squeaked before pushing at his chest.
"Don't trip," he exhaled, kissing Stiles' lips.
Stiles ground his heel into Derek's foot and he broke away, gasping quietly.
"I won't," Stiles glared. "Now get off me you heathen."
Derek released him, putting weight back on his throbbing foot gently.
He limped up the steps, deliberately ignoring the 'oohs' and giggles.
"Sheriff."
"Derek."
"Need some ice?" the sheriff questioned, glancing at Derek over his newspaper.
"I'll be fine."
"Good to know."
"Honest opinion. How good is he?"
Derek let himself smile, just a little.
"Oh, he's good."
The sheriff folded his newspaper and tucked his glasses into his shirt pocket.
"Alright then."
A few moments passed in silence, for which Derek was grateful.
"Do you mind not molesting my son in public, hm?"
Derek bit his tongue. He asked for it probably wasn't a great response.
He cleared his throat clumsily.
"Ah. Yeah. Of course. Right."
"Alright then."
A shrill whistle broke across the field and an excited hush fell over the stands.
Derek's eyes found Stiles among the maroon crowd without effort.
"He's gonna do just fine."

Stiles had scored and tackled a guy much broader than him before the sheriff got called away so he and Derek shared a smile before he patted Derek's shoulder and edged past him.
Stiles scored again and got tackled three times before tryouts were over.
Derek was still gritting his teeth as Stiles came to meet him, jersey heavy with sweat and mud on his temple.
"Did you see that?" he enthused. "I scored! And I don't even think Danny let me! How sweet is that?"
"You were great," Derek told him softly, stepping closer.
His fingers twitched with the want to reach out.
Stiles smiled at him, teeth flashing for a second.
"I'm fine. I've got padding. And it's just lacrosse. Plus it's not like these guys were actually trying to hurt me. It wasn't like real competition."
"That's supposed to be comforting, isn't it?" Derek questioned, feeling his brows move up.
"Yes."
"Is it too late for you to join the chess club?"
Stiles smacked him with his glove.
"Yes it is. Dad had to go huh?"
"Work. He said we'll celebrate tomorrow. I'm assuming 'we' is you two."
"That's a little presumptuous isn't it? Coach isn't even posting results until after school tomorrow."
"Is it that hard of a decision?"
Stiles scoffed quietly, shaking his head.
"He has a flair for the dramatic. Anyways, I have to go shower. Meet you in the parking lot? If you haven't been mauled by your fan club? We should name them by the way."
He turned without another word, laying his stick over his shoulder and whistling as his helmet swung from his fingertips.
Derek had a sinking feeling there was a group of girls right behind him.
"Stiles! Stiles!" He hissed after him.
Stiles didn't turn back.

Derek was impatient waiting for Stiles to come back out, trying to look as small as possible leaning on his car. If he never smelled perfume again it would be too soon. Two, possibly three, of them had sprayed some on right before talking to him. And by talking to him he meant invading his space and shamelessly flirting with him.
It certainly didn't help that he could hear them when they thought he couldn't.
But he's gay.
He might be bi.
Or it could be a phase!
Maybe he just needs to meet the right girl.
I could change him!
He bit down on a growl.
He half wished he could explain to them that he was a werewolf and Stiles and he were bonded permanently. Just to see the looks on their little faces.
Or he could just flash his fangs. Just for a second. Make them doubt what they'd even seen.
"Should I leave you alone to your brooding or can we grab some dinner?"
Derek glowered at him.
"They think you're a phase," he said without preamble. "They see me grab your ass and kiss you, at your tryouts, and they think it's a phase. They think I'll change. Stiles-" he paused, trying to find the words, "I can't even wrap my head around it. I can't."
Stiles cocked an eyebrow, lips falling open.
"And," Derek continued before he could say anything, "I bet even if I explained to them our situation they would still be chasing after me! They're…so-just…they're insufferable Stiles! You can't leave me alone with them-" he cut off mid growl, seeing Stiles' smile.
"You're happy about this. Why are you happy about this?"
Stiles' lips flicked even wider now that he'd been caught out.
"Think about it Derek," he said, stepping closer. "These are the prettiest, most popular girls in school, excluding The Lydia Martin of course, they're supposed to be my competition and you're repulsed by them. This is fantastic! It's amazing! God Derek, I love you so much you have no idea…"
He grinned and bit down on it before stepping even closer, duffle bag swaying into Derek's hip.
"You were testing me?" Derek questioned blankly.
"What? No. No. Okay, kind of."
Derek snorted.
"Seriously?"
"Well," Stiles flushed, looking down. "It's just nice isn't it? Reassuring."
"Wait what do you mean The Lydia Martin?" Derek questioned, brain catching up with his mouth.
Stiles made a choking sound, embarrassment rushing through both of them in a heady wave.
So much so that Derek felt like blushing too.
He carefully arched his eyebrow.
"Ah-did I say that? Huh. We should go eat."
"Very smooth."
"Seriously I'm starving," Stiles said, running his hand over his hair rapidly.
"Okay," Derek agreed, pausing as he rounded the hood, "we can discuss The Lydia Martin over dinner."

The car ride passed in silence. Derek waited.
Stiles would crack first. He always did.
Derek sat patiently, hands folded under his chin as he leaned his elbows on the table.
Stiles groaned.
"Do we really have to talk about this?"
"I'm curious."
"But you know it doesn't matter anymore," Stiles mumbled, picking at his paper placemat.
"Stiles. You put the word 'the' in front of her name."
Stiles deflated a bit at that.
"Well. It's habit I guess."
Derek waited.
"Okay so my entire adolescence might have been devoted to being in love with her," he exhaled on one long rush of breath. "But I was a stupid kid and you know it's nothing to worry about. You know that."
"I'm not worried. I told you I was curious. And now I know. So she was your first love." He swallowed carefully. "Anything ever happen?"
Stiles snorted, loudly.
Derek was immediately, selfishly, relieved.
"She likes to deny my entire existence. Before the whole kidnapping thing at least."
"I still don't understand how disappearing for a few months makes you suddenly popular."
"Well I was on the news. And in the paper. And everyone knows my dad. And it's not that big of a town. Plus it's only going to get worse now that you're here. Did you know I'm up to 112 friends on Facebook?" He sighed and flicked his rolled up straw wrapper, flinching when it flew off the table. "Oh my god Derek how are we going to tell people we met? Why did I not think of this until now? Oh my god." He slapped his hand over his mouth for a short second. "No one's asked yet but it's only a matter of time holy shit. Derek this is bad, this is so bad!"
"Should we really be discussing this here?" Derek interrupted, laying his hand over Stiles', which was clutching at edge of the table.
Stiles froze perfectly for a moment.
"Right," he let out shallowly. "Right. Yeah."
He relaxed slowly, taking deep, careful breaths.
"Is anyone staring?"
"No one's talking about us at least," Derek replied. "Relax. Worst comes to worst we can tell people I rescued you from the cult. Then I had to make sure no one was following me before I came after you."
"They probably already think you're part of a cult," Stiles sniffed. "Living on the edge of town with six other people. Being seen with high school students. Very suspicious activity Mr. Hale."
"I don't even have a response for that," Derek admitted finally.
Stiles grinned in silent victory.

The next day Stiles went to school and Derek more or less waited for him to get out. It was somewhat agonizing but he was still mollified when Stiles launched himself onto Derek at the side of the lacrosse field.
"I made it!" he yelled right in Derek's face, mouth splitting into a huge grin.
Derek caught and held him, smiling slowly.
"It was the blueberries."
Stiles couldn't even manage a scowl.
"Oh fuck off," he allowed before kissing Derek hard.
He pulled back after a few seconds, sighing.
"I have to go get changed for practice. You staying?"
"I don't have anywhere else to be," Derek told him honestly.
"Okay, great! Then maybe afterwards if my dad is still at work, I mean he really should be, we can have celebratory sex! Whoo!"
Derek set him down regretfully.
"Don't be such a tease," he said, smirking again.
"I'm not teasing if I'm honestly planning to have sex with you okay. Also isn't it weird that celebratory sounds so much like celibate?"
"Please don't make the horrible joke I know you're just dying to," Derek laughed. "Go get changed for practice. You don't want to be late."
"Oh shit," Stiles let out, eyes wide. "You're right, gotta go!" Stiles flailed and punched his shoulder before turning unsteadily and rushing off.
Derek smiled and shook his head before heading up the bleachers.
He realized belatedly he should have asked some of the pack to come with him.

It was a little easier the second time around.
Still Derek found himself flinching a bit when Stiles got shoved to the ground.
He seemed happy about it though so Derek would just have to get used to it.
"First time?"
Derek tore his gaze from the field to see a woman two rows down addressing him. There was a small gap between them.
"Uh. Second."
She nodded, smiling slowly.
"I'm Jacob's mom. You're…with Stiles, right?"
Derek fought the urge to blush.
"Yeah." He's mine he wanted to say. "How'd you know?"
"Ah, my daughter, Lana. For almost two weeks you two all anyone in her circle of friends could talk about."
Now he was blushing.
"Stiles told me it was a small town."
"And I can objectively say you are very good looking, not to mention mysterious. They really just can't help themselves."
His smile was forced.
"Well it gets easier," she said after an awkward pause. "And you're more than welcome to join us for the games. We always reserve the third row, home and away."
Derek was baffled. Had he just been adopted by lacrosse moms?
"Uh, thanks," he managed.
"Of course," she smiled, "we get closer to November I start bringing my famous hot chocolate."
"Sounds good."
Silence fell again and Derek went back to watching practice, vaguely relieved.

Stiles was ecstatic.
"You're like women catnip oh my god."
"She was just being nice."
"You got adopted by the Beacon Hills Brigade."
Derek was moderately more horrified.
"Do they actually call themselves that?"
"Who knows? The point is they took one look at you and saw poor little Oliver Twist all grown up and the answer is yes you can have some more."
"I don't even-what-"
"Shhhh just let me enjoy this."
His phone started vibrating somewhere in his book bag and Derek grinned as Stiles' blissful expression faltered.
"Hey Dad."
"So?" the sheriff questioned.
Stiles actually beamed, cheeks flushing pink.
"I made it."
"Fantastic," the sheriff hummed and Derek could picture him smiling too. "How about a late lunch? Schmidt's?"
"Um, yeah. I could be there in like-"
"I'll meet you, twenty minutes?"
Stiles' wince was brief.
"Yeah, great."
"Derek can come too."
Stiles rocked back and forth on his heels, beaming once again.
"Thanks Dad."
"Mmm. See you two soon."
"Love you."
"Love you Son."

When his phone was safely back in his pocket Stiles grabbed Derek's wrist before tangling their fingers.
"Okay so dinner and then sex. Somehow."
"You have bed time now remember?"
"Fuck off nothing important happens until the third week of school, everyone knows that."
"So you really want to try sneaking sex around your dad? That seems like a good idea?"
They paused a foot from the car, hands still pressed together.
"We could totally make it happen and you know it," Stiles insisted, leaning closer.
"I have no doubt in my mind that he would shoot me."
"Don't be silly he won't shoot you if there's a chance of hitting me. And if we're both naked he'll obviously be distracted. Not to mention he just invited you for dinner, he clearly likes you."
"You've got to be kidding. I still have to call him Sheriff," Derek reminded him.
Stiles snorted.
"No you don't."
"We're not exactly on a first name basis. Even if I did know his first name."
"If you called my dad by his first name I would be creeped out. Stick with Sheriff."
"Yeah thanks. Speaking of I still don't know your first name. Are you ever going to tell me?"
"Ah, ah, that's for after the wedding. Can't sell the milk if you give the cow away for free. Or something like that."
"Are you serious?" Derek had to laugh.
"Sorry sweet cheeks," Stiles sighed, pecking his cheek, "first name is top secret I could tell you but I'd have to kill you stuff." He pushed Derek towards the car gently, hips swinging. "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, and they're like it's better than yours…" he sang under his breath.
Derek stared for a beat too long before finally unlocking the car.

"We're not having sex with your dad down the hall," Derek said for the fifth, maybe sixth time.
At least this time they were stopped at a red light.
"Derek, come on! I made first line! I deserve this!"
"You don't want to get caught by your dad anymore than I do and we both know it. Are you arguing just for the sake of argument?"
"Would I do a thing like that?"
"Apparently," Derek huffed.
"But I want sex," he whined. "It's not fair."
"But you still live with your father. Who is the proud owner of more than one gun."
"What if I hide the ammo?"
"We cannot be having this discussion," Derek sighed. "We cannot still be having this discussion."
"But I can't hold sex over your head if we're already not having sex. How do you not understand this?"
"You bring up the most ridiculous points I've ever heard. You know that?"
"Thank you."
"Okay. Okay. Compromise. After school, tomorrow."
"In the locker room?"
"What?" Derek demanded.
"Come on it's always been a fantasy of mine."
Derek couldn't help the repulsion rolling through him.
"I don't think you can imagine how bad a locker room would smell to me Stiles."
Stiles' face fell.
"Oh. Right. Well that makes sense, yeah."
"I could-"
"No I don't want you smelling thirty other guys' junk when I want you focused on mine."
Derek tried to keep a straight face. He couldn't, glancing away from the road to see Stiles biting at his lips.
"I'm sorry," Stiles laughed quickly, "the most ridiculous things really do come out of my mouth."
"I know."
"This is what it's gonna be like, huh?"
Derek had to turn back to the road, slowing down as they approached the restaurant.
"Mm?"
"We're gonna have stupid arguments and bicker back and forth and then just sort of fit together anyways."
He flicked the turn signal and kept his eyes on oncoming traffic, lips curving.
"Maybe. Yeah."

A/N: sorry for the delay you guys

everything about this fic has just gone so much further than I ever thought it would

I honestly wasn't anywhere near ready for it

and I've been putting myself under a lot of pressure

so fluff

I really hope it's not too disappointing, thank you