Parts of this fic include text messages.

In Bold : Stiles
In Bold and Italic : Derek

Also, flashbacks are mentioned with Eli's age and how long ago it was from present time.

Sorry for the mistakes, as English is not my main language.

Hope you all enjoy xx

Eli, 3 years old – 5 years ago

This was the best and worst time of his life. That was saying something for someone who never counted his good times. Seeing Derek again, for the first time in a few years triggered something in Stiles's chest. Or his heart, he wasn't sure how to make a difference at this point. He could feel his own father staring at him, with a soft smirk at the corner of his mouth. Could he blame him for that? Definitely not, he couldn't lie about it.

So, his father knew. Scott knew and the little kid currently in his lap must know it as well.

Getting to know Eli was also surprising. The bright, smart, witty child blew his mind by the way he seemed to perfectly comprehend the world around him. How he had threw his hands towards Stiles to hug him. How his eyes sparkled with mischief. How Eli could have easily been his own.

He wasn't though.

And Stiles really needed to keep it in mind for his own sanity. No matter how much he wished for it to be true. How much Derek's gaze affected him.

Eli stirred awake, almost groaning. He rubbed his cheek against Stiles's chest, letting himself be coated in his scent and safe arms.

"He really likes you."

Yeah, no shit Sherlock. Stiles only offered a tight smile to his former friend at first. How the tables had turned. Years ago, he would have died to hear those words, to have Derek staring at him.

"I'm… I wonder why, he barely knows me."

The Sheriff cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention on him. Judging by the look on his face, Stiles wasn't going to like it. The only and first time the FBI agent had met the kid, he'd been a couple months old after all.

"I'd say like father like son but I'm not sure it's appropriate."

"Oh my god Dad, no, no, you do not go there. Jesus." He exclaimed, maybe too loudly. A confused Eli looked up at him, pressing his hands over Stiles's cheeks and smiled. A smile with a frown visible on his tiny face, studying the blush on his favourite human's face.

"You pretty. Look, Daddy! Pretty Stiles!"

Gosh, if he could flee and hide right on the spot, he would. Especially with the look on Derek's face. Pure awe and softness.

"I know, hon, I know. It's time for your 4pm snack, right? You hungry?"

Stiles was thankful for the change of subject, letting Derek grab Eli carefully from his arms. He did not look up to see the wolf's face, he refused to meet his eyes.

He couldn't face it yet.

Eli, 8 years old – Present time

07:00: Dad sent me the cutest picture ever of you two. Eli is such a grown up.

That's how Derek woke up. How he got the first text message. How Stiles came back into his life after years of leaving. Months of back and forth since they last saw each other.

And he didn't know how to answer. His ability to form sentences had just left him suddenly. Derek was thrown back, when he had to learn how to keep his wolf in check around his favourite human.

Breathing, in and out. His eyes kept on staring at his screen as if the words would jump and attack him. He needed to keep his heartbeats steady, or his son would come rushing through the door, asking if he was okay.

Derek was curious enough to ask what the picture was about. He knew the Sheriff was around almost every day. It wouldn't be surprising that he took random pictures every now and then. Sending those to Stiles? Yeah, he wasn't so sure about it. But then life happened, Derek barely had time to realize it that Eli was already jumping on his bed, asking for breakfast. Shit, they were going to be late for school.

That's how he left the conversation on "read", not having the energy or enough time to deal with the enigma of Stiles Stilinski.

"Come on Eli, you're gonna hurt yourself if you keep going."

"But I wanna help you, Dad!"

"Take another knife then." Derek said softly. "This one is too sharp."

Cooking together was starting to be their new normal. Not his idea, but Derek had to admit he had to find new ways to entertain a seven-year-old. Cutting vegetables was one of them.

The front door of the Hale's house suddenly open, and Eli was already running towards the familiar sounds of a jacket being taken off and heavy shoes. Then followed a laugh, and Noah Stilinski appeared with Derek's son in his arms, nicely secured over his hip.

"Caught this fugitive on the run, son."

"Oh, thanks for bringing him back." Derek chuckled with a fond look at how Eli hugged the Sheriff. "Please take a seat, Eli was busy with the carrots anyway. "

A pointed look later and his son jumped back on the kitchen counter, going back at his earlier task. Silence filled the room, Noah looking at them softly. Derek tried not to think too much about it, focusing on the frying pan.

"Thanks for the invite."

"Of course. How was your day?"

"Same old. Starting to think about my retirement."

"Oh no, you wouldn't."

Noah laughed, standing near the Hales. He was tempted to ask if they needed any help but he also didn't want to disturb such a sweet father-son moment. It reminded him of his good old days. So instead, he opened the fridge and grabbed himself a ginger ale, then a beer for the werewolf. It made him smile, how Derek was looking after his health. Being in his 60's brought a lot of challenges, but he had enough support in town to have a few more years fighting crimes.

"Everything's good at the repair?" He asked, handing the beer to the younger man.

"Oh yes, went there after driving Eli to school. The new back alley is almost done, so I left a couple cars already."

"That's good, Derek. Seems like everything's back on track."

"You're right." Derek handed a bowl at Eli, letting him fill it with carrots and small pieces of butternut he'd just chopped off. "It's going to be alright, right pup?" He asked his son, smiling back at the bright eyes looking up at him.

The Sheriff sat back down, pulling his phone out when he got Parrish's text. He was going to answer but Derek's comment made him stop "Ready to take another picture?"

A pause. An almost awkward silence that Derek secretly enjoyed.

"Ha. Stiles texted you?"

"You bet he did."

"Did you answer?"

"No, didn't have time."

It wasn't necessary for Noah to point out the blatant lie. Derek was as stubborn as his own son. Dealing with both was enough to give him recurrent migraines. "Son, look, I'm just saying you could call him from time to time."

"Oh right, because he doesn't have a phone either. Funny enough for him to come back the second you send him a picture."

Derek shot another pointed look, to which Noah only sighed. If he could smack the back of Stiles' head right now, he would. The pining and clearly need Derek was feeling could be obvious to anyone. Even to Eli, who at 8, glanced up at his father with a curious fierce look in his eyes. "Dad." He called out, the chemical signals coming up being too strong.

"Hey, I'm fine, pup." With a soft tone, Derek reassured the love of his life. He grabbed Eli to move him out of the kitchen counter where he was perched. "Dinner is almost ready. Go wash your hands upstairs, yeah?"

As long as he could use this trick, he would. He watched his son nodded firmly, almost like he was on a mission, and left the room.

When it was finally him and the Sheriff, the smile disappeared from his face. "He texted this morning, I forgot to reply. I didn't even know what to say."

"He misses you. He misses Eli and the whole pack."

"I know. And I know he's busy and he had to get out. I'm proud of him, I still want him in our lives as the funny, goofy, kind uncle, but he's less and less around."

"Give him time, son. You know he'll do anything for you both."

"I'm not asking him to, and I get it. Problem is that Eli is growing up and he hasn't seen Stiles in almost a year. I don't want him to be hurt."

Turning his back to Noah, Derek allowed himself to relax, letting himself feel what he had refused to for years. His pride was taking control, not understanding Stiles' actions. It sucked, loving someone and letting them go for their own good.

"Don't worry." He found himself saying. "I don't mind you sending him pictures of us, not at all. I want him to get updates, I know he might be asking around."

"But you want it to come from him."

Derek shrugged, turning off the oven along with the cooking trays. He busied himself by setting the table, grabbing plates, glasses. Noah's comforting glance burning him under his clothes. He didn't want his pity; he already knew what it looked like.

"You're good with him. Eli, I mean. Seeing you being a father like this… You deserve to be happy and I'm sorry that Stiles is being an idiot."

Derek snorted, letting an amused smile showing on his face. "Well, when is he not?"

It was easier to joke about it, to recall their early banter, at a time where Stiles cared. At a time where Derek was the one running away.

Universe always had a shitty timing anyway.

Eli, 6 months old – 8 years ago

The first time Stiles met Eli, something broke inside Derek. Some would say his heart, others his control. Eli had barely been a couple months old. Six or seven, Derek remembered it was when they came back from Argentina.

Beacon Hills remained the same. And yet, hearing that Scott and Stiles had left town for good had been a shock and a relief. Those two kids deserved a break from this cursed town.

So, Derek claimed back the land of his family, bought a house and was ready to start over. Until he got a call from the Sheriff. Another missing person, the fourth in less than three weeks and no one had more supernatural knowledge in town than the werewolf. All of that had to be blamed on a witch's coven and after an ugly fight, many bruises and scratches that would heal sooner or later, his mind was set on getting his son back at the Sheriff's house. He had even surprised himself, letting his baby with Noah for an afternoon. He wasn't particularly close to the man before, and coming back into town after some years abroad was usually the occasion for people to forget about you.

Derek made a beeline for the Stilinski's living room that day. Sensing his calmed, happy son but also another familiar scent. Being the Sheriff's house, of course Stiles' scent would still linger everywhere. He didn't pay it more attention, until the scene took his breath away.

There was Stiles, with Eli in his arms, holding him against his hip. A babbling, smiling and adorable Eli who was watching every single move of the man holding him. Eli, who was comfortably safe and sound in his old friend's arms.

In another lifetime, maybe it could have been more.

In another lifetime, Derek was pretty sure of it.

He didn't move, he didn't say a word until Stiles looked up and gave him a bright, yet shy smile. Derek knew what it looked like, that he was having conflicted feelings about what was happening before his eyes, shoulders tensed but also awe written all over his face.

"Your father is anywhere near by?" First words spoken in years, to which Stiles only nodded at first, attention being stolen by Eli making noises at him.

"Kitchen, I just…"

"Keep him occupied, I'll be back in a second." Derek stopped him quickly, still not ready for this. He was no fool though, of course Eli would be just fine into Stiles' care, he just knew it.

The FBI agent gave him a small smile then, and that was his cue to rush into the kitchen. The sooner he was done with it, the quicker he could take Eli and go back home.

Derek spotted Noah still in his uniform, looking down at a file and what seemed like to be pictures of crime scenes. He figured it was from the coven in the woods and without thinking twice, he dropped a medal down on the kitchen counter. Tainted with blood, Derek wasn't even sure whose it was anymore. It made Noah questioned him by raising an eyebrow, before his eyes softened at the werewolf's visible injuries.

"It didn't go as planned; I suppose?"

"Depends how you think about it. Coven is dealt with though, that was the plan." Derek almost shrugged, pointing at the medal. "That's what they were after. It counts as an artefact, if I were you, I would put it to safety and won't let it out of my sight."

Noah waited a second, snorting. Witches and magic were a new normal. "Right. Because I definitely know where this magical thing would be the safest."

"I can't keep it home around Eli and I wouldn't be so sure about leaving it in my family's vault. Next option is Deaton, but I'm not so sure if that's…"

Then, his voice again. "Can I have a look?"

Both men turned to watch Stiles in the doorway, Eli still secured over his hip. This time though, when the little boy took a better look at his father, he made grabby hands and started whining to be closer. Stiles' eyes widened, catching Derek's glance as he walked towards the werewolf and handed him back his son. It seemed to do the trick, as both Hales relaxed, Eli leaning against his father's shoulder, nuzzling into the crook of his neck.

Stiles took this opportunity to grab the medal with curious hands, turning it around to examine all scratches and symbols engraved. Weirdly enough, some were familiar, and his brain was already searching for any similitudes he had witnessed in the bestiary.

"Stiles, be careful with that." The Sheriff's tone was stern, anxious even, to which as usual, his son only chuckled. "Come on, dad. Does it seem dangerous right now? It's harmless. Really, I could take it back with me, figuring what it is, then report back to you guys!" His eyes found Derek's again, urging. "Right?"

And who was Derek to deny him anyway? It'd help for them to keep in touch, for Stiles to maintain a place in the pack. Maybe even for Eli to get to know him.

Even though he wanted to leave this house quickly and never looking back again, Stiles always was part of his weaknesses. Glancing back at Noah, only to make sure, Derek could only nod.

"Right. Thank you."

10:14: Alright, trying not to get offended. Being left on read sucks though. Come on, dude.

10:20: What, you're giving me silent treatment? What are you, three?

11:00: Derek. Derek, it's been five days. You can't tell me you're that much busy. Or that's another life-or-death situation?

At the reception counter, Derek felt another headache forming in the back of his mind, cursing to himself while checking his phone during his ten minutes break. There were no customers yet and the repairs on an old Chevy were finally done after two weeks. He still had to call Mrs Jenkins for her flat tires and drive to the grocery store to get those chocolate biscuits Eli had been begging for those past few days. Then, picking up his son from school before his teacher would get exasperated again would be perfect.

Texting Stiles back had not been his number one priority, he could admit it.

Before he realized what he was even doing though, his fingers were already typing out.

11:45: I'm fine. And contrary to popular belief, yes, I'm pretty much busy these days. Having a eight-year-old tend to do that.

He finally hit sent, putting his phone down and focused on the emails on his computer screen. He wondered though, when he would get an answer. If he was going to get one. Stiles was more likely to be called off for duty at any moment, leaving him on read this time. Not even five minutes later though, he heard the notification on his phone, no doubt in his mind.

11:50: Fucking finally! Besides, no, I'm sure having Eli as a eight-year-old is easy. Like, so easy. He's the best.

11:52: Did you text to tell me something I already knew about my son?

11:55: Wow, I'm glad to hear from you too, Derek. What got you in such a good mood?

11:56: What do you want?

12:00: Jesus, I was just texting to say hi. See how my favourite Hale is doing. It's a wrong time?

12:03: Eli is doing perfect. Made you another drawing, or rather named one of the people on it just like you. He's been keeping your dad in good shape, running after him every time they play in the backyard. Oh, and he's starting third grade in late August. Anything else?

Snapping never helped with Stiles, but God, did it feel good. He sighed of relief, leaning back against his desk chair. Months of radio silence and now he dared to text as if nothing happened? Derek wasn't having it. Not anymore.

12:10: Okay, second favourite Hale. I was asking about you.

At least, it had the effect to leave him speechless. Usually, Stiles was always asking about Eli, only asking about his so loved munchkin. How Derek was, though? He wasn't even sure himself. As long as his son was safe and sound, as long as the town was rather quiet, he could live.

12:14: I'm fine.

12:17: Oh yeah, because you sound so fine.

12:18: Look, can we just… Can we just not? I know, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I've been MIA. I was in fucking Ohio dealing with shitty pixies. There was also a seer involved at some point, but that's another story. I told you I would text whenever I can, that's what I'm doing.

12:18: Dad sent me the picture while I was on the mission last week. As soon as I could have access to my personal phone, I texted you, idiot.

Oh boy, Derek knew he was going to regret it. Stiles's texts sounded like an olive branch, like a peace offering. His wolf hummed happily even a small smile already plastered on his face.

12:30: It's not easy every day. I mean it though, I'm fine. I could send you a picture of Eli's drawing, if you want.

12:31: Sure, awesome! The one Dad sent was Eli sleeping on the couch, using your chest as a pillow. So yeah, the cutest.

12:35: Thank you. Tell me more about this pixies stuff? Those are nasty. How the hell did you manage to get rid of them?

12:37: Shit man, you're so not ready for this.

A month. They had been texting non-stop for a month and the effect on Derek's mood had been immediate, and visible by others.

An amused look could be seen on Jordan's face whenever he stopped by the station, and he got a text alert on his phone. The Sheriff's pleasant smile betrayed him anytime he was stopping by. Hell, even Lydia had been nothing but terribly sweet to him when she had called about a week ago. He was well aware she and Stiles were no longer together but were still tied by a close friendship. And yet, there were some things he would rather not think about. How Stiles was never talking about his private life was one of them.

Don't get him wrong, Derek was not the type to talk about his own either. He liked to think that he knew Stiles by heart though and the guy was talkative about anything, all the time. Now, Derek wasn't even getting any hint of a particular someone, or of any attempt at dating again. Stiles was only talking about work, getting into passionate threads when it was about a new case or when something reminded him of an old one. The werewolf was always there to reply, teasing him every now and then when he could.

This night was no different than others. It was becoming a habit, texting Stiles what they would be eating with Eli and then his son would tell him about the word of the day they had learnt at school. Most of the time, Stiles would babbling about how smart Eli was, how proud he was about the younger werewolf. And yet this time, Derek could feel something was off as he put Eli to bed for story time and the last message he had gotten was in his afternoon.

"Dad? Why are you worried?" Eli's voice got him out of his thoughts, the crease between his son's eyebrows getting worst within seconds. His small hands reached out to his father, feeling the need to touch him.

Derek shook his head, leaning forward to press a kiss to his son's forehead. "It's nothing, I promise."

Eli was still frowning until his features relaxed, as if he somehow managed to figure it out. "Oh, it's Uncle Stiles! You always smell like this when it's Stiles!"

It was Derek's turned to be confused, scratching the back of his neck. That's what he hated the most about being the father of a kid. A werewolf kid. Regular kids were already noisy, but with the sense factor and Eli being Eli, he was screwed.

"What are you… Eli, what do you mean?"

"I told Grandpa already." Eli sat up in his bed, hands resting over his quilt and nodded firmly. "I know you're sad when you text Uncle. But it's weird because you smell sad and happy. Grandpa said it was complicated." The confusion in his voice was clear when he said that last word, and Derek guessed he had to brace himself for what would be coming next. "Where is uncle, Dad? I wanna see him."

"Eli… You remember how Uncle Stiles' job is keeping him busy? It's like Grandpa's but the difference is that catching bad guys makes him travel all around the country. You know why he does that, right?"

"It's to keep us safe, he's like a superhero!" Eli exclaimed, nodding fiercely.

"You're right, he's a superhero. That's why he can't be often around, but he misses you a whole, whole lot. He said he'd try and be there with us for Thanksgiving this year."

Lying to your kids, for their own sake, didn't make you a bad parent, that's what Derek kept on repeating himself. It was going to be painful when Stiles wouldn't show up, but he still had a couple of months to figure it out.

Eli though, was still frowning while looking at Derek, careful not to agree too soon. "I think Uncle should stay with us. I want him to stay."

"I know, kiddo. I know. I can't promise you he will, but... I'll talk to him about it."

Another silence from his son, knowing all too well that something was clearly bothering him. "I want you happy, Dad." Eli assured with a pout. "You always smile with me and Stiles!"

Derek had to control his wolf, he had to control the whine fighting to come out. Of course, he was smiling when he had his family around him, they were the reason he kept fighting every day. He brushed Eli's hair with a fond smile on his face.

"I'm happy, pup. You make me the happiest." He whispered, leaning on to turn off the light on his bedside. "Try to sleep, okay? I'll text Stiles, promise." He added before standing up and escaping the room. Again, Eli could be talkative when he wanted to, so it was time to make his exit.

That's how he found himself staring at his TV screen in the quiet living room, fidgeting with his phone and heart pounding in his chest. Derek wasn't scared of many things, but Stiles… Stiles was always the number one what-if.

20:28: Your favourite nephew is asking about you. I'm pretty sure even FBI agents can have days off.

He didn't need to beat around the bush. Maybe he wouldn't even have an answer, who knew if they were on the same time zone? If they even were on the same page?

Coffee. He needed coffee for that, he needed something to do.

And yet, he was more than thankful that he wasn't holding his cup when Stiles's text came in.

20:34: I'm being sent in the middle of fucking nowhere for the next six months. Starting tomorrow.

20:35: If I'm not answering, it's not because I don't want to. Because I want to, all the time.

20:36: I'm not running away; I'm not doing it on purpose.

20:37: How long did you know?

20:45: Two weeks. I didn't know how to tell you. I'll send Eli's birthday present as soon as I can. Six months so… It'll be done by December. I'll try my best.

20:49: Right. Well, good luck. Don't be a stranger.

Good luck meaning: Don't die on me, please be careful. You have to come back to me; you have to come back to us. We could be happy; we could be good. My son needs you; our son needs you. You're not just the goofy uncle who buys incredible gifts and loves him unconditionally.

You're my second half.

But he wasn't going to send any of this. Derek Hale was a coward when it came to Stiles Stilinski. And most importantly, he loved him enough to set him free. To give him time and space. He would be there when Stiles was ready.

20:55: You know me, big guy.

Summer left in a hurry, and Autumn came with a warm breeze.

Third grader Eli Hale was a delight to have in a classroom, according to his teacher, Mrs Williams.

To be fair, his father would have agreed any time. Eli was a pleasant kid, always smiling and kind to everyone. Even doing grocery shopping was now a competition on which customer would spend more time checking Derek out or babbling with Eli. So far, the kiddo was winning.

They still hadn't heard from Stiles. It was expected, he had warned them, but in a corner of his mind, Derek couldn't help but hope that he would still have time to text him.

Eli was coping well; he was barely asking for Stiles. His drawings were still depicting his big family, and his teacher always said he was lucky to be surrounded by so many people who loved him. It was also important for Eli, to express himself, to let people know about his incredible family of superheroes. Until one day, things got a little out of control. Until Derek got called at 3 pm for a teacher meeting. He'd feared for the worst. What if his son had shifted in class? Maybe he had hurt another pupil. Who knew?

Therefore, Mrs Williams giving him compliments and praising Eli hadn't been in his agenda. But by the tone she was using, it also wasn't to talk about Eli's school abilities.

"So… Hum, first, let me tell you how Eli is one of the greatest kids in class. Kind, thoughtful, helpful, he is a pure joy to have around."

"Don't get me wrong, thank you for telling me this, but… Why am I here exactly?"

"As I said, you do have an amazing kid. Very curious and creative as well."

"Yeah, so I've been told." He snorted, still confused.

"You see, he's been telling stories around during lunch break. About his family. About… His pack."

Silence. Total silence as Derek only gripped the armrest even tighter. He didn't know who was more in trouble. Him or Eli.

"You're right, Eli does have a great imagination. He likes to refer to his family as his pack. He watches many documentaries about wolves and… Packs."

"Right, right." She dismissed with a hand, giving the poor father a thin smile. "I'm sure you're well aware, Mr Hale, that we do encourage children to use and expand their imagination. However, there's a clear limit between made up stories and straight up lies."

"Mrs Williams, I'm really sorry about the misunderstanding, but I can assure you that whatever this is about, Eli didn't lie."

"So what about a certain Stiles? Who apparently catches bad guys and throws them away? To protect his pack."

He was really screwed and had to think fast. "Oh. Oh, that's… Yes, no, Stiles Stilinski, the Sheriff's son. He's… He's an FBI agent. Not often around, so… That's what we tell Eli, to explain why he's absent. He's… Eli is very close to Stiles."

That's when it seemed like Mrs Williams started to understand and realize something he clearly didn't. "We can see that, Mr Hale. He's always proud and happy when he talks about him."

"I'm raising Eli by myself. I'm not alone though, we got friends who are family. I have my uncle and his daughter, my sister is in Argentina, but… They all love Eli as if he's their own."

"Oh no, no, don't worry. I know he's happy, safe and surrounded by people who look after him and are concerned by his wellbeing. I just wanted to warn you, let's say, about how made-up stories could cause more harm than good. About this superhero thing. He's convinced Stiles is invincible. He's obviously doing a sensible, somehow dangerous work. What if something happens to him? How would you tell your son?"

"… I never thought about it."

Of course he hadn't. Why would he have? Derek had never needed to think of a world without Stiles in it. He'd been one of his tangibles for more than a decade before Eli.

Mrs Williams cleared her throat and handed him a flyer, which only made him sigh. That's not how he had imagined his late 30s, sitting in his son's teacher office, reading the school guidelines on sensitive topics for children. "I'd suggest you might try. Even though I... I'm aware how difficult and painful it must be."

09:07: I need your help with something. And yes, this is me asking for your help, I know, shocking. But it's about Eli. Don't freak out though, he's okay, I promise. It's just, something his teacher said. We have to be honest with him, he's only 8 years old and he's… He's yearning for you to come back. He dreams you'll be back soon, and I can lie to myself, but I can't lie to my son. I don't know where you are right now Stiles, and I am sorry I'm dropping all of this on you now, maybe it's not the right time, but… Well, it never is, huh?

09:48: All I'm asking is for a phone call, for you to tell him the truth, whatever it is. He's turning 9 on October 10th, in case your forgot. I know it's not December yet, I know.

10:30: I just wanted to give it a try. I… I really hope you are okay, Stiles.

Eli, 9 years old – Present time

October 10th came faster than expected. For his next birthday, Eli would already be 10, Derek thought. Funny how life worked sometimes. His son was slowly becoming a preteen and Derek could only pray for those years to be alright, and hope for his son to turn out better than he used to be at the same age.

He also remembered when he had met Stiles, barely sixteen and a head full of dreams. In the meantime, Derek's last texts had been left without an answer and it was getting on his nerves.

Thankful for the Sheriff to be around, helping with groceries and decorations for the birthday party, Derek allowed himself to take a break, fleeing in his (for now) empty kitchen. In a couple of hours, all the pack would be gathered to celebrate Eli's 9th birthday. It still surprised him how every single one of them would put their lives on hold, just to be present. Even Scott and Malia stopped by to bring ballons and hang around until it started, even though they had barely been back from their trip to England. Even Jordan, after an 8-hour shift, had been in charge of the cake and drove to the bakery to get it sorted.

Sometimes, Derek believed he didn't deserve those people, this fragile peace. Sometimes, he wondered if he was good enough to keep it safe.

"A penny for your thoughts, son?"

Startled by the Sheriff's voice, Derek blinked twice. He had completely forgot about his now cold coffee on the counter. How long had he been lost in his mind? How was he supposed to deal with the next couple of years when he felt like running after time?

"I was just thinking about Eli's next birthday."

"Wait till we're done with this one." Noah chuckled, looking outside the kitchen's window and into the backyard. "I know, he's growing up real fast and it's scaring you. You wish you could freeze time, right?"

"You're going to tell me that's how it works to be a parent?"

The Sheriff could only smile at that, grabbing an envelope in his jacket's right pocket. He toyed with it between his fingers, and that's when Derek found himself sighing. A small part of him had hoped not to get Stiles's present in time, it would have been easier to ignore, to not mention Stiles with Eli. Noah still handed him the brown envelope, a visible "To my favourite Hale" written on it.

"I'm telling you that's how it works when you are a parent, and when you have people you care about. Even when you'll celebrate Eli's 30th birthday, you'll be surprised. You'll be scared and amazed, all at once."

Curiosity was clearly a family's trait, as Derek carefully accepted the gift, and his grip tightened around it. Weirdly enough, the weight of it seemed heavy in his palm.

"You don't have to open it now, I wanted to make sure it got delivered."

5:09 : g (deleted)

7:05 : (deleted)

7:12 : (deleted)

7:14 : Derek, I'm dying to come back. I'm just not sure where I belong anymore. (drafted)

Hey there Hale,

Bet you still don't know who's my favourite, after 15 years.

To be honest, I am not sure yet either. The love I have for both of you is like no other. It seems quite surreal most of the time. You created a new path for me, something I never thought could be possible, or rather accessible.

Being away was easier at first, I'm not going to lie. This job kept me sane. Until Eli came along.

As soon as I met him, 9 years ago, you have no idea how much I wished for him to be mine, to be ours. How I could easily picture the three of us, until we got old and grey.

Dad asked me once what I was waiting for, how long I was going to be so stupid. I don't think he ever told you, even though you became family. He's even more protective of you now, you know. He didn't want to give you this letter, he warned me more than once that I was hurting you. Both of you. For that, I have to apologize. But words on paper won't have the same effect.

I got to know you through our darkest hours, through the mess we had to share. At some point, I still don't know how we even survived. I just know I couldn't have done it without you by my side. Even miles away.

You need to think of yourself first, Sourwolf. You're a great father and an amazing friend, but you deserve to be selfish sometimes, and that's okay. You are my favourite what-if and it was a privilege to be part of your life, for you to let me in, because I know how hard it was for you to learn how to trust again. Maybe it is too late, maybe you're right.

This is me letting you go.

You asked for my help, this is it. The second letter is for Eli, make sure he got it, alright? His present is also inside. It's not a phone call, but at least it's something he'll keep with him forever. Those are the things I never had time to tell him, and the closure he needs to move on and stop waiting. He'll be 10 next year and you're right, he's young and deserve to know the truth. Uncle Stiles won't come back.

Maybe I'm a coward, maybe this town took all hopes away from me. Anyway, you're too important that I refuse to bet on that.

Yours always

He should have burnt the letter. He should have let his rage gain the best of him.

The gift was really beautiful, Derek almost shed a tear when he saw it. It was a simple watch, with brown leather straps and engraved with Eli's date of birth. Stiles had signed it with his initials, next to a small 'Anytime'. Of course, Eli wouldn't understand and appreciate the beauty of this gift at 9, but for the years to come… Derek dared to think it would be enough, just in case.

Stiles had made his choice. With this letter, it was time to move on. That's why Derek gave Eli the watch first and waited a couple days later for the letter.

That day, Eli came back from school with many stories to share. Noah went to get him, well aware of Derek's plan for the evening. He had even offered to stay for the night, just in case things went wild. If Eli couldn't control his feelings, if his wolf lashed out. Derek feared Both scenarios more than anything, but his son was making progress at keeping his wolf calm, and he even suspected that Stiles was to thank for it. Both Hales had the same anchor, just like Noah had suspected.

Like father, like son.

When they came home, Derek was already sitting on his couch, the letter displayed on the coffee table. He had decided not to read it. Those words were only reserved to Eli, and he still believed that the close bond he shared with Stiles was to be cherished and preserved. And yet the wolf was still dying inside to know its content.

As soon he saw his father, just like every day, Eli threw his schoolbag across the living room to run to Derek, Noah on his toes. The Sheriff knew he would never get tired of seeing the two Hales together.

"Dad, dad!" Eli chuckled, climbing on the couch and settled next to his father, talking with his hands. "You know what we learned today? Okay, no, hear me out, Mrs Williams said that penguins mate for life! It's awesome, is it like us, dad? Wolves mate for life too, right?" His excited voice filled the silent room. Noah gave Derek a soft smile. Usually, he would have laughed at this question, but today, his chest only tightened.

"I'll answer your question later, hon, promise." Derek hummed, reaching out to grab the piece of paper. "I just… Okay, I have something to give you, sit down, it's from Uncle Stiles."

And just like that, Eli's smile only grew wider, bouncing on his lap to snatch the letter from his father's hands. "Oh, thank you Dad! But my birthday was last week?" He frowned at first when he got the paper in hands, turning it around to get at the beginning.

"Eli, look, it's… It was with the watch Stiles sent you, I wanted to wait before giving it to you, that's all." No reaction from his son, who was already focused on his reading. Derek could see the way he frowned a few times, his tiny hands gripping the letter a bit harder. "Eli?"

That's when Noah stepped further into the room, sitting on the remaining chair, close enough to act if needed. "Hey, kiddo, are you okay?" He softly asked, noticing the unshed tears. God, in times like this, he could only blame and be mad at his own son.

Eli sniffed, the ghost of a smile still visible on his face. He snuggled closer to his father, still reading, before folding the letter and looked up at the adults. "I just miss Stiles a lot, I know you too Grandpa, and you too Dad." He let out, not understanding why his favourite uncle couldn't come back. Adult life seemed complicated for no reasons, and the way Derek's shoulders slumped made him shake his head. He was brave after all. "But it's okay! He said he loves me a lot and he would come and visit." Eli nodded to himself, handing the letter to Noah, then remembered something he had to ask his father. "Oh, can I have a phone Dad? Stiles said I could have his phone number!"

03:47 : I gave your letter to Eli after school today. Your father was here as well. I didn't read it, it was only meant for him, so I don't know what you wrote but it seemed to work. He said he missed you much, but just like me and your dad. I don't know when he became so smart and empathic, but here we are. Thank you for the gift, thank you for loving him like I do.

04:20: I read my letter on his birthday though. I'll say that you and I are both cowards then, because you asked me to be selfish and that would only mean asking you to come back. I want you to stay, Stiles. I want you to be part of our lives, to be there when Eli will be 12,13,14,15 and will look more and more like you. Yes, he will have your temper, I'm sure of it.

04:23: More than that, I want you and I to give it a try, for real. I'm tired of pretending there's nothing. Last year we had the same conversation, when you stayed over for Christmas. I don't think I can stress this enough, but your place is with us. Your job is a shitty excuse, and you know it. Beacon Hills is so much more than everything we lost, than what we suffered. Eli is the proof of that. If you ever change your mind, you know where to find us.

Eli, 8 years old – A year ago

For Christmas break that year, the real miracle happened. Stiles Stilinski appeared on Derek's doorstep with many presents in hands, some even bigger that his own height, all covered in snow and grinning like he was the real Santa Claus.

It was obviously an odd sign, but so well needed. What followed were screams of surprise, laughter and warm smiles spread across the pack's faces. Scott had found his best friend back, sharing his own good news with Malia and had asked him to be his best man for the wedding. Derek didn't think it was possible to see an emotional Stiles crying of happiness.

Through the conversations and moments of life they were all sharing, an excited Eli was following Stiles around like a puppy. Even Derek had trouble getting his son's attention, completely forgotten in a world where his Uncle was finally back.

They still managed to find themselves on their own in the kitchen. Empty bottles of wine starting to stack on the counter and an amused Stiles eyed the doorstep. "You're gonna play the mistletoe card with me, big guy?"

Derek almost tripped on his own shoes when he heard that, searching for the refreshments and appetizers Melissa had asked him for. "What? Oh no, that's Eli's choice. Scott made him decorate the whole house and told him about some Christmas traditions. So yeah, make sure to cross the doorstep on your own."

"Mmh, or with someone I like." Stiles shrugged, stealing a glass from the cupboard and poured it with the nearest bottle he found.

"Or with someone you like." Derek had the decency to look away, gathering his thoughts. He wasn't going to blush and stutter right now. "Staying for a while?"

"Until January 3rd. Dad got a few days off, I'm not needed for now so I thought I could hang around. If people wanted."

"Stiles. You're pack."

"Well, everyone got busy lives these days. Scott and Malia are getting freaking married, Isaac followed Jackson back in England, Cora is still in Argentina, even Liam and Theo are like, a thing now!" He exclaimed, snorting and taking a sip of his red wine. "Seriously, it seems like everyone is being paired off, like the universe Is screaming something."

"And what does it scream?"

The smirk on his face should have warned him in a way. Oh god, he was so much in trouble. "You and I should cross this doorstep together."

"Stiles…"

It only made the agent biting on his lower lip, flashing a flirty look. The wine was clearly messing with his logical side. "Afraid to catch some feelings?"

"Those might stay for a while." Derek whispered, leaning against the kitchen counter, head tilting on the side while watching Stiles taking a few steps forward, putting his glass down. A dangerous game for two broken souls. "What good is coming out of it? You're leaving in two weeks."

"Is that you asking me to stay?" Wrapping his arms around Derek's neck, Stiles wondered how far he could take it. Of course he needed some liquid courage, but the wolf's hands now resting on his waist seemed to be a good indication of where they stood. "You're going to tell me that's where I belong?"

Derek gently pulled him closer, sliding his hands under his suit's jacket. The silk of his shirt was so soft under his hands, it almost made his wolf purr. "Do I really have to say it? Look at us right now, look at Eli following you around all the time…" Leaning forward, he pressed his lips on the agent's cheek, almost meeting his mouth. The audible gasp made him sigh, as he lingered a few more seconds.

A few more seconds of being home.

06:22: Give me a few days.

06:36: I swear I'll explain everything. It's just… Gosh, I'm leaving hospital in two weeks, I promise I'll be there. Derek, I'm not going anywhere.

If he heard the voicemail one more time, he swore he would commit a murder. Bags under his arms, his raggedy clothes back on, Stiles was walking fast in the hospital's parking. The only time he needed someone to pick up the phone, and he was… "Oh, thank god you're answering. Oh shit, you know what? Wait, let me get in the car, I.. Wait a second. Okay, can you hear me? Derek?"

The rush of Stiles's sentences made him feel dizzy, at the same time as he was running around the house to find and grab Eli's duffle coat. Almost end of November, the first snowflakes were starting to appear, and it wasn't the right time for Eli to get sick. A young sick werewolf was a pain in the ass.

"Stiles, calm down, it's fine. Yes, I hear you, what's going on? Where are you?"

Here were the swimsuits, but no signs of a duffle coat. Balancing his phone between his shoulder and ear, Derek tried to focus on the laboured breaths on the line. "Stiles?"

"I can drive home. Give me, like, 13 hours. It's been a few hectic days. Currently on painkillers if you wanna know everything, but yeah, I'm on my way."

Was it finally the day? "Hey, there's no rush. Your mission was supposed to end next month."

"In three weeks exactly, mid-December. But huh, hey, getting shot helps to finish earlier."

A voice emerged in the back, an Eli yelling "I wanna talk to Stiles too!" and Derek's heart almost stopped. "Wait, what? Stiles, you… No, Eli, wait a minute, you'll talk to Stiles later, put your shoes on."

Stiles gripped his steering wheel, put the contact on and almost let out a sigh of relief when everything seemed to work just fine. "Oh, wrong timing maybe? What time is it? 08:00?"

"Almost, 07:40, I have to drop him at school, we're late, but I can't find his coat and now he wants to talk to you. Welcome to our new routine. Are you okay?"

Stiles chuckled at that, imagining Eli making grabby hands to get the phone. "I'm fine now. Okay, let me hear the big guy, you go find his coat. I'll see you in 13 hours."

"Wait, for real?"

Derek barely had time to hear his "Yeah. I swear." That Eli managed to get the phone on speaker, while crouching. "Stiles! I'm going to school, we're learning about space today!"

The date could have been highlighted on the calendar, and yet, Stiles came back on a regular Tuesday evening, on November 24th. Eli was 9 years old and got his birthday wish.

There he stood on Derek's porch, just like he had a year ago. This time, no gifts or presents, rather a black eye and many bruises still visible. Nothing special happened, no fireworks, no sparks from the former emissary but rather a quiet sense of belonging ran through his veins.

He knew he should be crying, laughing, smiling, or passing out. Maybe all four after a 13-hour drive. The only thing happened was the tight hug Derek gave him, the way his arms wrapped carefully around his wounded shoulders to hold him steady. "It's okay, we got you. You're home now."

Now was the time to heal and learn and forgive one another.

So, when Noah's phone rang a few hours later, on November 24th, with a picture of Derek, Stiles and Eli snuggled up between the two adults, all smiling on the Hale's couch, he knew. And he couldn't stop the tears of joy from falling.

20:52: Coffee with you tomorrow after I bring munchkin at school, but for now, I'm right where I'm supposed to be. Xx

Munchkin,

Oh, one day you're going to hate this nickname. That's okay though, I still got a couple of years to call you that. Until you think you're too cool to hang with your dad or answer your uncle's texts. Pretty sure you'll even steal one of your father's cars in the repair shop. Make sure it's not the Jeep though, but I'll tell you more about it when you're older.

I'm so proud of you Eli. You're barely 9 and yet, you're already being so brave, kind and sweet. I know life can be scary sometimes, but I promise you you'll get through it. And if you ever need me, you know my phone number, I'll always answer you. No matter what.

I heard you asked your father when I'll be back with you. I'm afraid I won't, kiddo. I won't be able to come back and live with you and the pack. I'll come and visit from time to time, you will see me again, but I won't stay. I'll always have to leave for my work, and I don't know until when.

Oh, but I love you so, so much, munchkin, and if I could come back, I would. You are the greatest kid I know, and you'll always be so special to me. It's not your fault, and it's not your dad's either.

Will you do one thing for me? Look after him. I know your father is also very strong and courageous, but sometimes he needs people to be there for him. He can get really sad, so give him the biggest hug when it happens. Grandpa as well, grandpa will always have your back.

You Stilinski-Hale stick together.