When it all comes crumbling down

by Littleredridinghunter

Chapter 18

He wasn’t sure what to expect, it was the council’s house and although there was nobody left that he was aware of, he didn’t want to just walk straight in there and into a trap, but, he’d been thinking, and, John had been right, he was a threat to the pack and if he was at the house all the time then he’d lead anything that was coming for him straight to the pack, it made sense that if he was going to carry on working, he did it from here.

He observed the cottage for a good hour before he decided it was safe and approached, he couldn’t say he was surprised to find the cottage exactly the same as he’d left it, but, it was always better to be safe than sorry. He headed up to the office, trailing his fingers over the desk for a few moments, thinking of the last time he had stood in this room, barely recovering from the damage that the council members had done to his body, before he shrugged his shoulders, dismissing the dark turn his thoughts had taken and got to work.

Derek arrived home from his shift just after nine in the evening, he was looking forward to spending more time with Stiles, to talking to him, maybe even kissing him again if Stiles was okay with that, he hadn’t been able to stop smiling to himself all day. He knew Noah suspected something had happened but Derek hadn’t said anything yet, he figured it was probably a conversation Stiles wanted to have with Noah, Derek was nervous about that, he knew Noah’s opinion of him had improved since they’d started working together, but, still, he was never certain if the man had ever forgiven him for what he’d done to Stiles.

He was surprised to find that Stiles wasn’t in the house, at first he thought he was still in his room, but when he went and knocked there was no answer, when he asked the pack, Jackson said that Stiles had left the house around eight this morning and hadn’t come home since, Erica informed him that she hadn’t spoken to Stiles either, Derek didn’t want to panic, he was sure Stiles was fine, except his brain was already running through all the different scenarios, that Stiles had decided to go off on an assignment, or taken John up on his offer to lead them, or he’d been kidnapped, or was lying dead in a ditch somewhere, he didn’t want to panic but it didn’t stop him panicking regardless, his heart racing uncomfortably fast in his chest.

“Dude, relax, Stiles can take care of himself.” Scott said and Derek nodded.

“Hang on, I’ll call him.” Erica said, pulling out her phone and calling Stiles’ number.

“’lo?” Stiles’ voice came over the phone, he sounded half-asleep and Derek relaxed instantly, if Stiles was sleeping he was sure everything was fine.

“Where are you?” Erica asked without preamble and there was a pause before Stiles cursed quietly.

“Didn’t realise the time, sorry, I’m on my way back now, be there in a few.” Stiles said, disconnecting the call, he scrubbed a hand across his face, wiping away any evidence of his sleep before he teleported back to the Hale house. “Honey I’m home.” He called as he landed in the kitchen, already searching for food, not really surprised when half the pack gathered in the kitchen doorway.

“You okay?” Isaac asked and Stiles shrugged, eyeing up the bread in his hand hungrily, maybe he’d used more magic than he’d planned, but, damn it was worth it.

“Peachy.” He replied, tearing a chunk out of the bread and shoving it into his mouth, raising an eyebrow at Scott when he realised he’d missed what had just been asked.

“I said, you’re wobbling, you need energy.” Scott frowned.

“I’m cool.” Stiles said dismissively before Derek rolled his eyes, marched forward, and pulled Stiles into a kiss. Immediately the mist around them appeared and Stiles felt his head clear, surprised by how foggy everything had felt, he must have used a hell of a lot more magic than he realised. “Why didn’t that appear this morning?” He muttered, his fingers still tracing where the mist had now vanished from.

“I don’t know? You weren’t taking any energy?” Derek replied quietly, feeling his own energy levels boost from the kiss, “Do you feel better now?” He asked and Stiles nodded.

“Yeah, sorry, I think I just used more than I thought I did.” Stiles said, stepping out of Derek’s arms and turning to look at the rest of the pack. “Sorry.” He repeated.

“I’d kind of hoped I’d be the one getting to give you energy this time, I miss kissing you.” Cora said and Stiles blushed slightly when Derek growled at her, “Lighten up Derek, it’s not like we’re not all aware of the fact that Stiles is an awesome kisser, no wonder you don’t want to share.” She commented and Isaac nodded in agreement next to her while Stiles stared at her like she’d lost her mind.

“So where’ve you been and what have you been doing?” Erica asked just as Stiles’ phone started ringing.

“Hang on one sec,” He said, grimacing slightly when he saw the name on the screen, he’d kind of hoped to talk to the pack before this happened, “Hey John, how’re you doing?”

“Not too bad kid, just wanted to call and say thanks for your help earlier, couldn’t have done it without you.”

“It was nothing.” Stiles said dismissively.

“For you probably. But, for me, saved my ass. Again. You going to be around for that kind of assistance all the time?”

“I’ll try, I mean, there might be times when I’m not, but, I’ll do my best.”

“Good enough for me, now, I know you said you didn’t want any payment, but, I figure, I’m getting paid for it, you did a good portion of the work, so, how about fifty-fifty?”

“It’s fine, I don’t need any money, I got a load of the FBI for the Medusa case.”

“Don’t insult me Stiles, take the money.”

“Fine, but ninety-ten. I really didn’t do much.” Stiles argued.

“Bullshit. I’d be dead or at least out of action for the foreseeable without you.”

“Final offer John, take it or I hang up.”

“And then I post you the fifty percent? That sounds fair.”

“No. No. Don’t argue with me, ninety-ten or I won’t help you out in the future.”

“Well we both know that’s bullshit, you’ll always help out if you can.” John joked.

“Alright, fine, yeah, I’ll always help you out, but, still, ninety-ten is a fair price.”

“Fine, ninety-ten it is, I’ll be telling the others that’s the price too, they want your help, they pay the price.”

“Unless it’s pro bono work.” Stiles said forcefully.

“Agreed, in which case, we work for free.” John replied.

“Good, glad we could reach an agreement, you’ve got my details, pass them out.” Stiles said.

“Will do. That wasn’t the only reason I was calling, I just wanted to check in on how you’re doing, make sure you’re okay after what happened…”

“I’m fine, nothing to worry about.” Stiles cut across him abruptly, “I’ve got to go John, keep out of trouble.” He said seriously before disconnecting the call and looking at the pack who had all gathered around now, staring at him in frustration.

“You’re going to become their leader? The ones who are left?” Erica practically growled and Stiles squared his shoulders.

“Not their leader per say, they’re just going to come to me for advice, and assistance on any cases they can’t handle themselves.” He explained.

“Are you kidding me Mica!? You said you weren’t going to be part of this anymore! How long before they turn on you? Before they decide they want your power and they’re willing to kill you to get it?” Erica shouted.

“You can’t honestly be planning on working with them!” Scott added, “What about everything they did!? Erica’s right, what if they try to kill you to get your power? You can’t trust them!”

“Stiles is old enough to make his own decision…” Peter began and Erica snarled at him.

“Not when they’re stupid ass decisions! That’s why he keeps me around, to tell him when he’s doing something stupid. Derek! Tell him he’s being an idiot!”

“Stiles,” Derek began uncomfortably, “I think that you maybe haven’t thought this all the way through…”

“Are you serious right now?” Stiles snapped at all of them and everyone fell silent, “First off, yeah, I’ve thought about them trying to kill me to get my power, but these people were willing to defy the council, leave jobs, homes and people behind to stick at my side, they fought against people they’d known for years just because they thought it was the right thing to do. And, if they aren’t the people I thought they were, I’ve been working on several spells, one that hides my presence from other casters and one that stops anyone from getting my magic so even if they try to steal it there’s no way they actually can, plus I’ve turned the cottage into a freaking panic room, there’s no chance of anybody finding me there, and, I’m pretty sure I’ve come up with a way to basically teleport into the cottage from wherever I am in the world so there’s no way I have to worry about getting trapped anywhere, so, yeah, I’ve thought it through. And, honestly, you want to talk about not thinking things through? Really? After all the stupid things you’ve ALL done because you don’t think them through?” Stiles snapped and Derek clenched his fists, knowing that arguing right now wasn’t going to help them, Stiles’ phone pinged with an incoming text and he looked at it before sighing in frustration, “I’ve got to go take care of this.”

“Wait, hang on, like, go take care of it at the cottage? Or go take care of it wherever it is?” Lydia asked and Stiles shrugged.

“I’m not sure, I’ll have to see how it develops.” He glanced at Derek, “Can I speak to you privately for a minute?” He said and the pack almost fled the room, knowing that if they waited for Derek to tell them to leave it would probably involve a lot of shouting, “I think it would be better if we didn’t go on a date.”

“What?” Derek said, feeling like someone was standing on his chest, crushing it under their feet.

“I’ve been thinking about it, and,” Stiles sighed heavily, looking pained, “I think too much has happened between us, I don’t think I can forget about everything and I shouldn’t have to, I think we shouldn’t date, in fact, I think it’s a good idea if I keep my distance altogether, so, I’ll get my stuff tomorrow and move out.”

“What? What are you talking about!?” Derek said, stunned that Stiles had changed his mind when he’d seemed happy that morning.

“I’ve got to go.” Stiles said when his phone pinged again.

“No. No, Stiles, we need to talk about this, is this, do you need me to reassure you right now? Because I love you. I want to be with you. I don’t want you to go anywhere.” Derek said reaching out to grab Stiles’ arm, to stop him from leaving.

“I’ll be back tomorrow at some point to get my things.” Stiles said, vanishing on the spot and reappearing at the cottage, feeling like his heart had been torn in two, doing his best to keep himself together, he couldn’t fall apart, not like last time, he needed to hold it together, after what had happened today it had made him realise, being with Derek was too dangerous for Derek and for the pack, they could have all been wiped out today, just because Stiles had pissed off the damn thing that John had gone after.

Derek stared at the spot where Stiles had vanished and cursed internally before he sprinted for the back door and out into the preserve. He ran through the preserve, sure that the cottage was just ahead, but, when he broke through the trees, into the clearing where he was certain the cottage was, there was nothing there, he cursed, running forward, sure that the cottage was somehow invisible or something equally idiotic, but, he didn’t hit anything even by the time he’d run across the whole clearing several times, getting more and more frustrated.

“Stiles!?” He called out but there was no reply, “Fuck!” He shouted, unable to believe that Stiles was gone, what the hell had happened!? This morning he’d been happy, so had Stiles, they’d been laughing and eating pie and joking and talking about their date, how did it get to this? Stiles moving out? Saying he was going to stay away from the pack? It didn’t make any sense, something must have happened while Stiles was out today, whatever had happened with John, Derek was certain of it. He stormed back to the Hale house, slamming open the door and ignoring the look of worry on the pack’s faces, if Stiles was planning on Derek making this easy he was damn wrong. He knew Stiles was lying, he knew it with every fibre of his being, even if his heartbeat had been steady as he spoke. Derek had only just gotten him back, he was not going to lose him again, he would fight tooth and claw to keep him. He went up to Stiles’ room, shoved the belongings that Stiles had into boxes and bags and carried them into the pack room, then he pulled out an old chest of his mom’s, one of the few things to survive the fire, and shoved the bags into there before locking it and carrying it into the middle of the room. After that he pulled out his cuffs and handcuffed himself to the chest and sat down on top of it, if Stiles wanted his belongings he was going to have to speak to Derek to get them.

“I’m guessing you didn’t talk to Stiles?” Boyd asked when he looked at Derek in confusion.

“The cottage is gone. I don’t know where he is, the whole damn place is gone and he is not getting to just run away from this, I’m not letting him.” Derek snapped angrily, while the rest of them looked at him like he’d gone insane.

“The cottage can’t be gone, are you sure you went to the right place?” Erica said sounding confused.

“I’m certain. If you don’t believe me then go check yourself, but I’m not leaving here until Stiles talks to me, he wants his books and his clothes and stuff then he can come talk to me, otherwise he can manage without them. So, if you see him, you can tell him that.” Derek grumbled, he couldn’t believe this, Stiles couldn’t actually think that, could he? He’d told Derek he was willing to give it a try, and now he was just turning around and saying it wasn’t going to work? No. Derek didn’t believe it. Something had happened today, something to change Stiles’ mind and he wasn’t going to just let him go without finding out what it was, he was angry, so freaking angry, and the longer he had to wait for Stiles to show up, the angrier he was getting.

Erica was infuriated, Stiles wasn’t answering his phone, Derek was right, the cottage was completely gone and so was Stiles, how could he do this? She didn’t understand, why would Stiles run away from them? If he’d had second thoughts about Derek then she wouldn’t blame him, but, why was he running from the pack? The idea that Stiles had changed his mind about Derek was understandable, but, this kind of reaction wasn’t. Erica was certain something else had happened to cause Stiles to behave like this, which meant Derek was right, there was no way Stiles was walking away from this without giving them a proper explanation, she ran all the way back to the house, determined to make sure she was there when Stiles arrived, hurrying up to the pack room and sitting on the floor next to the chest, leaning slightly on Derek’s legs.

“Did you find him? Speak to him?” Derek asked quietly sounding destroyed and Erica shook her head.

“No, you’re right, the cottage is gone. This isn’t about you, I’m sure it’s not. Something happened today with John, it must have done. There’s no way he just runs like this just because he decided he doesn’t want to date you or can’t forget about all the lies or whatever, he wouldn’t cut off all contact with us, even when it had all just happened he talked to me, his answered his phone, he let me know what was going on. To go dark like this, something is wrong with this. I know it is, it doesn’t make sense.” Erica muttered.

“I know.” Derek agreed, “We’re missing something.” He said, “But, we’re going to get answers, we’re going to fix it, whatever it is.”

“Well, I’m sure between the two of us we’ll be able to pin him down long enough to get answers from him.” Erica replied.

“Just the two of you? The rest of us are waiting here too.” Scott said from the doorway, “Stiles has got some explaining to do, none of us are going anywhere until he does.” There were several nods from behind Scott and Derek smiled fondly before the entire pack descended on the room, gathering around the chest with faces full of determination.

Stiles was exhausted, he knew he hadn’t been fair, that he’d done the exact same thing to Derek and the pack that Derek had done to him. It had taken him a few hours to realise that and when he did he had broken down into tears, all he’d been thinking about was that the pack could have died because of him and he had to keep them safe, and that they’d be safest away from him, it had made sense, no matter how much it hurt him, they should be safe. But that was exactly what Derek had done, trying to protect people by pushing them away, thinking that he knew what was best for them. He sunk to the floor and sobbed brokenly, how could he have blamed Derek? How could he have even been angry at him? Not now that he understood the position Derek had been in.

He hated the thought of anything happening to any of the pack, but, wasn’t it just yesterday morning that Derek had agreed to never make decisions for Stiles again? If Stiles decided things for Derek and the pack then he was a hypocrite and he just couldn’t do it. He’d tell them, he’d tell them everything, tell them the truth, and, if they decided they were safer away from him then that was fine, he’d survive, but, he couldn’t decide for them, it just wasn’t fair. He glanced at the clock on the wall, it was still early, too early to go wake them yet, he’d wait, he looked around the room, stared at the destruction of the living room where the demon had come through, where they’d battled, where Stiles had only just escaped with his life. He spent the next few hours tidying up, his eyes darting to the clock every few minutes to see if it was an acceptable time to go and see the pack yet, he was so tired and he’d used a lot more magic than he’d thought yesterday, even the boost from Derek and the two boosts he’d given himself before he’d even seen the pack had barely touched his exhaustion, he needed to sleep, but he couldn’t, not until he’d made this right.

As soon as he’d finished tidying as best he could, really there was no way to repair the structural damage or remove the scorch marks without magic and he just wasn’t up to that, he left the cottage, he was too tired to teleport all the way to the house, but, it wasn’t far to walk and the fresh air would probably clear his head, he wasn’t sure what to say, he was going to apologise, obviously, but, beyond that, he had no idea what to say, he just, he needed to make this right, he needed them to forgive him. He was kind of surprised when none of the pack tackled him the instant he walked through the back door, instead he walked up the stairs, feeling a leaden weight settle in his stomach, he saw the door to his bedroom ajar and stared in horror when he realised that all his belongings were gone, they’d been thrown out, he’d been thrown out, he must have walked past them on his way in, god, he was such an idiot. He’d messed up and now the pack wanted him gone, he had no right to be here, he needed to leave, the tears were already spilling from his eyes when he turned and saw Derek standing in the hallway, looking at Stiles with such anger that Stiles felt himself crumbling even further.

“I’m sorry.” He said, his voice cracking, “I’m so sorry.” Derek was still looking at him with anger, but there was concern in his features too and Stiles didn’t want to see that, didn’t want Derek to feel sorry for him, Derek had every right to be angry, Stiles couldn’t be here, “I’m going to leave, I’m sorry.” He said, already turning for the stairs when Derek’s hand reached out and grabbed his elbow, stopping him from going anywhere.

“Stiles…” Derek began and just his voice was enough to break Stiles, he let out a sob, and then Derek was hugging him, holding him tight against him and Stiles clung to him, sobbed into his shoulder, his entire body shaking as he attempted to keep himself under control. Any anger that Derek had been feeling vanished the moment he saw Stiles, saw the fresh tears in his eyes, saw the exhaustion in his features, the dark circles under his eyes that meant he hadn’t slept, he looked like his entire world had collapsed in on itself and Derek knew that feeling all too well, no, he wasn’t angry, not anymore, now he was just scared, he wanted to help Stiles, wanted him to be okay, he wanted to comfort him and reassure him that it was all going to be okay.

“I’m so sorry Derek…I didn’t mean to…I’m sorry…I lied…I don’t want to move out…I’m sorry.” Stiles gasped in between sobs as Derek rubbed his back soothingly, he couldn’t stop the tears streaming down his cheeks, he couldn’t catch his breath, he was just so sorry, he’d made such a mess, he hadn’t meant to hurt anyone and he’d caused them all to hate him, they wanted him out, god, he’d lost them all, “I’m sorry…please don’t kick me out…I lied…I just…I’m sorry.” He confessed.

“You’re not going anywhere, it’s okay Stiles, shhhh, it’s okay.” Derek reassured him, still clinging tightly to him as Stiles practically crumbled in front of his very eyes, he wasn’t sure what had happened, but the fact Stiles was here, in his arms, he wasn’t going to let go of him until he knew Stiles was going to be okay, and even then, it was going to be a struggle. He stayed holding Stiles until his sobs began to diminish, until the rest of the pack had woken from their slumber and stumbled out into the hallway, until they’d frozen for a second at the scene in front of them and then rushed forward, wrapping their own arms around Stiles, hugging him until his broken cries had ceased and he gulped in oxygen, gasping for breath as he tried to steady himself and swiped at his wet eyes with trembling fingers.

“I’m sorry.” He said in embarrassment, unable to believe he’d fallen apart so completely, his face was still buried in Derek’s shoulder and he really didn’t want to move, as soon as he moved he’d have to tell them, have to explain how he’d done the same thing that he’d been so angry at Derek for doing, how he’d been terrified that they’d die, he’d been scared and he’d made a bad decision and he was going to pay for it for the rest of his life. “I lied yesterday, that wasn’t why I said what I said.” He whispered, feeling like he was about to burst into tears again.

“It’s okay, whatever you said, it’s okay, you’re okay.” Derek muttered into his ear and Stiles shook his head.

“No, no it’s not, please don’t kick me out, I didn’t mean it.”

“Stiles I’m not kicking you out, you’re not going anywhere, you’re staying here with us, it’ll take a lot more than that to get rid of us.” Derek replied trying to ease some of the tension in Stiles’ body and it seemed to work, Stiles let out a sad chuckle at least before he dissolved into tears again and Derek clung a little tighter to him. “Come on, whatever happened it can wait, you need to sleep, you’re exhausted.” He said, already leading Stiles towards the pack room.

“No, no, I need to explain.” Stiles said quietly but with such desperation in his voice that Derek stilled, pulling away from Stiles enough to look him in the eyes.

“Okay, so explain.” Derek said seriously and Stiles nodded, swiping at his eyes to remove evidence of his earlier tears and taking a step away from Derek, making sure he could see the entire pack as he squared his shoulders, he had to tell them everything, then the decision was in their hands.

“I went to the cottage yesterday, I planned on building defences, you know, like making it harder to find and making myself harder to capture and stuff, and I spent most of the day getting it all sorted, and, I felt good about it, like, it would be a safe retreat, if anything ever happened we’d always be able to get there and be safe and stuff. Then around six John called, he’d been hired to help track a demon, but, it was more powerful than he’d thought, he’d managed to get away for the time being, but, it wasn’t far behind him and he really needed a silver sword blessed with holy water, which he didn’t have to hand, and could I do anything, did I know any other way to kill it, or hide from it, or whatever.” Stiles took a breath, trying to get it all out as quickly as he could, as if that would somehow make it easier, “I had a sword in the basement, I blessed it with holy water and I opened a portal to John and threw the sword through to him. The demon was already with him and it saw the portal, saw me, and jumped through.”

“Into the cottage!?” Kira asked in horror and Stiles nodded.

“We fought, but, I needed the sword to kill him, he could smell that I was close with a pack of werewolves, he said he was going after you, once he’d killed me, he’d kill all of you, just for knowing me. It was, it was close, but, I managed to shove him back towards the portal and John stabbed him from behind and it killed him and I closed the portal, it had taken so much out of me just to have it open long enough to get the sword to John, I’d used so much magic earlier in the day hiding the cottage, I didn’t think I’d have to use any more, and, then, fighting the demon, I was tired, I must have fallen asleep and then you woke me up when you called.”

“That doesn’t explain why you said you were moving out.” Scott said and Stiles winced.

“I wasn’t thinking clearly, I just, all I could think about was that I could have got you all killed because of something so stupid, and, I just, I couldn’t put you in that kind of danger…”

“You have got to be kidding me!” Erica screeched while everyone else just rolled their eyes and Stiles grimaced.

“I didn’t think, until I got back to the cottage, until I’d calmed down enough, at the time, all I’d been thinking was to protect you all, that me being here put you in danger and then, then I realised what I’d done, that I’d done the exact same thing that I’d been so angry about Derek doing, I just, I wasn’t thinking straight, it’s no excuse, I know it’s not, but, god, it was so damn close, and if I’d lost, you’d have all died and it would have been my fault and I was so scared and I’m sorry, I should have never…I shouldn’t have made that choice for you, so I won’t. I messed up and I’m so sorry, but, me being around you is dangerous, for all of you, if you all want me to stay, then I will, but, if even one of you wants me to leave, then I’ll go, because, if I’m here, you guys are in danger, and, I won’t take the choice from you, but, I’ll respect your choice, whatever it is.” Stiles explained.

“You are so fucking ridiculous!” Jackson said and Stiles stared at him in surprise, “You’re pack Stiles, we all know that, so what if having you around makes it a bit more dangerous for us? Having you around is worth it; besides, you totally kick ass, I’d rather have you by my side if something bad is coming than halfway around the world. And, if I’M thinking that, do you honestly think anyone here would be willing to kick you out? I mean, I’m probably the one that likes you the least, and even I wouldn’t get rid of you. So, you’re staying. Simple as that.”

“Jackson’s right.” Lydia agreed, “I mean, if the person who supposedly likes you the least spends most of the other night talking about how he wouldn’t mind being the person you chose to forget about Derek with, I think it’s safe to say that none of you want you to leave.” Jackson blushed furiously while Lydia smiled sweetly at him and Stiles just gaped at him like he’d lost his mind.

“I meant with Lydia too! Not just me and you!” Jackson clarified and Lydia grinned.

“I, of course, agreed with him.”

“Woah! No! If Stiles is having sex with anybody to forget about Derek, it’s going to be with me and Isaac!” Cora interrupted and Erica laughed.

“As if! It’s totally going to be me and Boyd!”

“Excuse me, Scott and I would be way better.” Allison interrupted.

“We all know I’d be better than both of you.” Malia said derisively.

“Well, I don’t need anybody else getting involved to make sure I could satisfy him, but, if he wanted someone else involved, I’m sure Kira would be willing to assist?” Peter commented and Kira pursed her lips.

“So long as Stiles stayed in between us, you’re just not really my type, sorry.” She replied quietly and Peter grinned.

“Fair enough, I think we can confirm that this means we’re all happy for you to stay, mainly because we’ll be close by when you decide you’ve had enough of this idiot.” Peter smiled fondly and Derek glared at him.

“I’m not.” Stiles said and they all looked at him in confusion, “I’m not going to ever have enough of him.” He turned to look at Derek seriously, “I messed up yesterday, and when I realised what I’d done, it felt like I’d ripped a part of my heart out. I did it for the right reasons, I wasn’t trying to get my own back or anything like that, I just, all I could think was that if you died I’d be devastated and that I had to keep you safe. You did something bad, but you did it for the right reasons, and, if you care for me, even a fraction of how much I care for you, then doing it must have nearly killed you, and to keep it up for so long, to hold it together, because my happiness was more important, even if I wasn’t particularly happy, my safety was more important, then, I get it, and I understand and I forgive you and I will never blame you for it again or be angry at you for it again, I’m over it. If you can forgive me for doing the exact same idiotic thing then that would be great, because, honestly, I’ve been in love with you for years and I’m not sure anything will ever stop me loving you, even when I first found out, when I wanted to punch you…”

“You did punch me…”

“On the arm. At least I didn’t do it to your face. But, the point is, even then, I loved you, and I was scared to admit it, scared of getting hurt again, because I couldn’t go through that again, I thought it would be better not to admit it, then you could never have the chance to hurt me again, but, Derek, I know that whatever I go through, having you by my side will only make me stronger, and, I believe you when you say you’d never purposefully hurt me again, and, I trust you and I love you and I want to be with you so please, please give me another chance. But, if you can’t, I get that too, I messed up and I hurt you, and, I’m so sorry, I fucked up, I’m so sorry, please forgive me.” Stiles pleaded and Derek frowned at him.

“Stiles, you did nothing wrong, you were scared and you panicked, and, as soon as you calmed down, you wanted to fix things. We’re all guilty of doing stupid things when we’re scared, the important thing is that you came back, that’s all I care about, having you here with us, with me. Because, you’re right, I know that whatever we go through, we’re stronger together, and not just us, the pack, all of us, we’re stronger together, so, no matter what stupid decisions any of us make now, or in the future, all we have to do is come back and everything is forgiven, okay? No matter what. So long as we’re together, we’ll work everything else out.” Derek said, taking Stiles’ hand in his own and squeezing it tightly.

“Okay.” Stiles agreed, smiling slightly despite his exhaustion, he just wanted to sleep, to hold on to Derek and sleep for a week.

“Good, now, next, can you all please stop offering to have sex with Stiles! I get it, you find him attractive, fantastic, well done for having functioning eyes, but, sex with him is off limits, unless he brings it up, as it stands, the only person who gets to discuss sex with him is me, got it?” Derek said and the pack all rolled their eyes while Stiles blushed slightly, feeling embarrassed but also excited, pleased that Derek was willing to defend him like that, obviously sensing or smelling that all the talk of threesomes had made Stiles uncomfortable.

“What about kissing him when he needs energy?” Peter queried and Derek sighed.

“If I’m not around, or not capable of doing it, then, yes, I guess, if Stiles is okay with it. But, if I’m there then no. Stiles and I are, well, going on a date sounds kind of stupid, and, so does that we’re dating, you’re more than that to me, so, we’re together, and that’s the end of it, okay?” He glanced at Stiles who grinned, leaning in to peck him on the cheek even as he sighed with tiredness.

“Yeah, together.” He agreed, feeling such contentment that he wondered why he’d been fighting it for so long.

“Come on, you need to sleep.” Derek said, taking in the way Stiles’ eyes were fluttering closed against his will.

“I’m fine.” Stiles muttered.

“Sure you are, alright, well, here.” Derek said, leaning in and pulling Stiles into a kiss, they both felt the energy rush instantly, the mist forming around them and glowing softly, Stiles relaxed into the kiss, knowing that this was going to be the first of many kisses with Derek, because they’d finally sorted their crap out and he wasn’t going to let anyone tear them apart again. They broke apart a few minutes later but only because Erica cleared her throat impatiently and Stiles turned to look at her.

“Dude, kissing Derek Hale here!” Stiles joked and Erica rolled her eyes.

“I’ve kissed you, believe me, Derek’s the one getting the treat.” She commented and Stiles blushed while Derek only shrugged in agreement, looking a little jealous.

“How about we stop bringing up my kissing skills?” Stiles muttered.

“So long as you never mention about the Hale kissing club again.” Malia said and Stiles gaped at her.

“The what?” He asked.

“A while back, you said we all do the same weird flicky thing with our tongues, so, don’t bring it up again and we’ll stop reminding Derek that we’ve all kissed you, probably more times than he has if we’re honest.” Malia explained.

“I seriously don’t remember saying that.”

“You were pretty much unconscious at the time, so I don’t think it counts. Do you want a refresher?” Cora smirked, taking a step towards him and grinning when Stiles leaned against Derek.

“I’m good thanks, as far as I’m concerned, the only person I’m going to be kissing from now on, unless it’s a life or death emergency, is the one standing right next to me.” He smiled happily and Derek leaned in, giving him another kiss and Stiles grinned against his lips, Derek could smell the happiness radiating from Stiles and it only made the joy in his own heart increase tenfold, Stiles loved him, Stiles wanted to be with him, Stiles was part of the pack, he was home, he was staying and everything was going to be fine.

“Ahem.” Erica said clearing her throat again and Derek pulled away to look at her.

“What!?” He groaned, he’d been very much enjoying that kiss and Erica had ruined it.

“If you two are done…”

“We’re not.” Derek said and Erica growled.

“You are for now. We have questions that need answering now that Stiles doesn’t look like he’s about to collapse.”

“How come he can take that much energy from you and you don’t get all woozy or whatever? You only seem to get stronger from it, and the weird glowy mist thing didn’t appear that time, why is that?” Isaac asked and Stiles shrugged.

“I guess because I wasn’t taking any energy that time, it was just a kiss?” Stiles said.

“But that doesn’t explain why Derek doesn’t collapse from energy loss or why the mist appears in the first place.” Malia said and Stiles shrugged.

“I don’t know? It’s not like it’s ever happened before. If I had the answers I’d tell you, but, I don’t know. I’ll figure it out though, I mean, the only reason I know as much about my magic as I do is because I know how to research, so, I’ll figure it out.” Stiles replied.

“If you’ll recall, I did say it might not be so much to do with your magic, more to do with Derek being a werewolf.” Peter said and Stiles looked at him in surprise, leaning into Derek’s side slightly. “Come on, I need some coffee and toast, then I can explain my theory.” He said leading them downstairs, they waited until everyone had got some breakfast and settled in the living room before Derek looked to Peter.

“So, what’s your theory?” Derek asked, unsure why Stiles’ magic would react differently to Derek than it had with the rest of the pack, “Maybe because I’m the Alpha?”

“No, that’s not it.” Peter said, looking smug, “Do you remember what your mom used to say about her and your father?”

“That they were mates.” Cora said quickly, “True mates, that they could have been anywhere in the world and eventually their paths would have crossed, they were destined to find each other.”

“I’ve heard of wolf mates, but, true mates? Is that a thing? Like, wolf mates are just your partner, whoever you choose to spend your life with, if it ends for whatever reason, you can always meet another mate, right?” Stiles queried, looking to Derek who looked flabbergasted.

“Um, well, yeah, you’re right, wolf mates exist, they’re just girlfriends, boyfriends, partners, husbands, wives, whatever, but, um, true mates, mom always said it, but I just figured she was just romanticising the whole thing. She said that her and dad were true mates, that they were soulmates, they were meant to be together, destined to be together.” Derek said, “But, it was just a story, true mates only exist in stories, they’re not real.” He added to try and reassure Stiles who looked a little nervous.

“Do you remember what else she used to say?” Peter prompted and Cora and Derek looked to each other before shrugging and shaking their heads, “She used to say that they took strength from each other and it only made them stronger, I witnessed it myself once, we had a few skirmishes with other packs when we I was younger, your mother and father hadn’t been together very long, your grandfather was Alpha, the pack attacked and your mother and father were both injured and taken prisoner.” Peter paused dramatically and everyone stared at him.

“So what happened!?” Stiles asked desperately.

“They were going to execute your mother, she was the child of the Alpha, the next in line for succession, kill her and the pack would be damaged irrevocably. As her final request she asked to be able to give your father one last kiss, to say goodbye. We wanted to stop them, but, your mother and father were trapped and injured, any attempt to rescue them would result in their deaths, we knew that, the only way for them to escape would be to fight their way out and neither of them were in any state to do that.”

“Mom never told us any of this, how did they survive?” Derek asked in awe, wondering what else had happened in his mom’s life that he never knew about.

“She kissed him, and, it was, sometimes I can still see it in my mind, they kissed and they healed almost instantly, both of them, they jumped up, fought their captives, long enough that the rest of us could resume the fight without there being the certainty of their deaths, and, we won. When I asked your mom about it later, she didn’t have an explanation, she just said it had been magic, that as soon as she kissed your father it felt like all her strength had been returned, that he was hers to protect and that she would fight until death to protect him, and, when I spoke to your father, he said the same thing, that her strength had strengthened him, that they’d healed each other, because they were true mates.” Peter said, “I don’t think what is happening between the two of you is because of Stiles’ magic or because Derek is Alpha, I think it is because the two of you are true mates, soulmates, destined to find each other no matter where you are in the world. It makes sense as to why you both only grow stronger from the kiss whereas with the rest of us, Stiles takes our energy, I believe the two of you are true mates, but, with Stiles being magical as oppose to werewolves, it just means that it manifests in a different way than your mother and father, and that, up until very recently, neither of you admitted to feeling that way about each other, which is why it's only just started happening, because you both pulled your heads out of your asses and realised you’re in love with each other.”

“Wow.” Cora muttered and Derek nodded numbly, feeling like his heart was about to beat out of his chest, he could hear Stiles’ heart beating just as wildly in his own chest and he wanted to reassure him but he wasn’t sure what to say, if what Peter was saying was true, and Derek was sure it was, then he’d basically tied Stiles to him, what if this wasn’t what Stiles wanted? Sure, he’d said he loved Derek and wanted to be with him, but, saying it and living it were two very different things, what if Stiles didn’t want to be Derek’s soulmate? What if he just wanted to date him and now he’d be stuck with him? All because Derek was a werewolf. God, this was his fault.

“I’m not sure which one of you is freaking out more right now.” Erica said looking between the two of them, Stiles looked across at Derek, no doubt seeing the panic in his eyes and knowing the same was reflected in his own eyes before he reached out and smoothed the crinkle between Derek’s eyebrows with his thumb and gave him a small smile.

“Relax sourwolf, you’re going to give yourself wrinkles.” Stiles whispered hoarsely.

“You can’t tell me that you’re okay with this? Finding out that I’ve basically forced you into…”

“Woah! Stop right there, dude! You haven’t forced me into anything. I want to be with you. Yeah, finding out we’re supposedly soulmates is a bit of a shock, but, that doesn’t change how I feel about you, I want to be with you, I guess now, all that changes is that I know we’re destined to be together, but, that doesn’t really change anything, I already knew that we’ll always work things out, always come back to each other, because we love each other, not because we’re soulmates.”

“If you’re so sure it’s true, then why are you freaking out?”

“Are you kidding me?” Stiles said, “I’ve only just stopped having a complete breakdown over nearly getting you all killed yesterday, of course I’m freaking out over the fact I’m bound to you! What if something happens to me? Does it kill you too? I know you don’t like talking about it, but, your mom and dad died, if they were true mates, why didn’t they cling to each other in the fire and then survive? Does that mean if we’re ever trapped and I die, do you die? Because I need you alive, even if I’m not, you’re the one that everyone looks to, and, if anything happened to me, you’re the one I’d need to make sure dad was okay, and, I’m a freaking trouble magnet, I know we’ve gone over this, but, I’m dangerous to be around and now you’re basically stuck with me, no matter what, and what if something happens to you because of that? God, I think I have plenty of things to be freaking out over.” Stiles said, running a hand through his hair and Derek felt a fond smile on his lips as his hair stuck up in a hundred different directions.

“Shut up Stiles.” He teased, reaching out to cup Stiles’ cheeks between his hands, “We’ll figure it out, together, because we love each other, nothing else matters, true mates or not, real or not, it doesn’t matter, we love each other, and everything else we’ll work out.” He said and Stiles nodded in agreement, the love in his eyes clear for them all to see, Derek leaned in and kissed him slowly, gently, with such tenderness that Stiles couldn’t help the way his heart stuttered slightly.

“There’s more questions that need answering.” Malia said and Stiles sighed heavily, rolling his eyes and breaking the kiss.

“Do you think we’re ever going to be able to have a kiss that isn’t interrupted?” Stiles whined and Derek grinned.

“We’ll get the questions out of the way and then I’ll kick them out for a few hours.” Derek muttered in reply and Stiles chuckled quietly.

“Okay, fine, what else do you want to know?” He sighed.

“Where did the cottage go?” “Is it invisible?” “What do you mean you turned it into a panic room?” “Yeah, and you said you can teleport there from anywhere in the world?” The questions came in thick and fast and Stiles sighed, falling backwards into the nearest sofa and pulling Derek with him, leaning into his side and making himself comfortable while Derek just smiled at him with such love that it made Stiles blush slightly, he wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to seeing Derek looking at him like that.

“Okay, first off, it’s not invisible, maintaining an invisibility barrier around it twenty-four hours a day would tie up too much magic, and, people would be able to walk into the barrier if they knew where the cottage was, which would kind of give away the hiding place.” Stiles explained, “So, I shifted it underground, it wasn’t hard, just open up a hole, drop the cottage in, reseal it, leaving a small section that leads up to ground level, there’s a protective barrier around the entrance, but, it’s so small, you could literally run over it and not even know it was there, and, I barely even notice it magic wise, so I could maintain under pretty much any circumstances meaning that I don’t have to worry about someone accidentally finding it even when I’m at my weakest.”

“Alright, what about being able to teleport there from wherever you are?” Erica pressed and Stiles shrugged.

“I mean, it’s a theory, I’m working on it, but, well, the tattoo, you know I had one that basically connected me to Theo, that we could draw energy from each other at any point in time no matter where we were in the world, well, I sort of, I went with that theory, that I could find a way to tie myself to the cottage, that I could be anywhere in the world, and, I’d be able to touch this tattoo,” he said, raising his shirt slightly and showing them a tattoo on his side that Derek was almost certain hadn’t been there previously, “and, it’d basically transport me back there, I haven’t tried it yet, only like, from nearby, but then John called and I got wrapped up in the whole demon and nearly dying thing, and, then, yeah…” He trailed off, looking at them apologetically.

“So how certain are you that it’ll work and it won’t just kill you? I mean, teleporting any significant distance usually weakens you, could kill you, just like the portals do, so, what are the chances of this working?” Peter asked.

“Well, if I’m using it, it’s probably a life or death situation, so, possibly dying getting back here would probably be a better alternative to staying wherever I am, and, if I’m honest, I’m not planning on going anywhere unless it’s an absolute necessity, I want to stay in Beacon Hills, not just because of you guys, but, this is my home, I want to stay here, I don’t want to run away again, I just, I want to be here, make a life here, not go running off wherever at a moment’s notice, I’m not saying that’s not going to happen from time to time, but, I want to stay here.” Stiles replied honestly.

“What about using astral projection? Could you not use that to go around the world if you have to? That way if anything happened, your body would still be safe here?” Kira suggested.

“Last time I used astral projection it was to bail Derek’s ass out and the next four days are kind of a blank for me, now, admittedly, if Theo hadn’t taken some of my energy to help in his fight, I might not have been so bad, but, it’s still not something I’m willing to try again unnecessarily, I couldn’t maintain it for a long time, it would have to be like twenty minutes tops, which isn’t usually long enough for me to help with whatever needs doing, especially, because, really, I can’t do any damage in astral form, it’s more like, I can just see what’s going on, we were incredibly lucky that that witch was so powerless, if she’d had any serious power she could have blasted me back to my body and Derek would have died, so, yeah, I’m not a huge fan of astral projection if I’m honest, I’m more vulnerable in that state than I am just rocking up wherever I need to be.” Stiles shrugged. “And, besides, it’s a moot point, at the moment I have absolutely no intention of going anywhere, it was just something I was messing around with, I don’t want to find myself in the situation and have no back-up plan, anyway, I’m not planning on going anywhere, so, it’s not a big deal.” He cuddled closer to Derek’s side, “Does that answer all the questions?”

“No.” Isaac said, “Why did you think we were kicking you out?”

“Oh, um, well, all my stuff is gone?” Stiles muttered in embarrassment.

“Yeah, it’s all in the pack room, there was no chance I was letting you leave until we had a chance to talk.” Derek said and Stiles stared at him, “On a side note, we need to buy you some more clothes and things, I could literally fit all of your belongings in one trunk.” Derek added.

“Well if people stopped stealing them then it wouldn’t be an issue.” Stiles replied.

“I don’t steal all your clothes.” Derek mumbled.

“Just the majority of them.” Erica said and Stiles grinned.

“So that’s what happened to all the shirts I sent you?” He asked.

“Are you kidding? The instant I let go of them Derek hoarded them all.” Erica smirked, “I’m pretty sure he’s got an entire box full of them in his room that he just rolls around in.”

“I do not.” Derek said, blushing in embarrassment.

“Liar, liar pants on fire.” Cora said and Derek blushed brighter.

“Oh god, that is adorable.” Stiles teased.

“Shut up. I was just, it was, a werewolf thing, you know, a pack members scent or whatever.” Derek lied.

“Dude, you don’t have to be all embarrassed about it, I’m your soulmate, you’re allowed to have missed me.” Stiles smiled brightly.

“Whatever.” Derek grumbled, still flushed from being caught out.

“So does this mean now we get some time alone?” Stiles questioned the pack.

“I guess so, but, I still need to talk to you about this taking leadership of what’s left of the council.” Erica said.

“That can wait until later, can’t it? I mean, come on, Derek and I have some important stuff to talk about, maybe slightly more important than how I’m going to manage helping out a few people from time to time, so, it can wait, right?” Stiles argued just as Derek’s phone started ringing and Stiles turned to look at it.

“Hey Noah.” Derek answered the call and grimaced, he’d forgotten he was supposed to be on shift today, after everything that had happened with Stiles yesterday, it had just completely slipped his mind. “Sorry, I forgot, I’ll be there.” He looked at the clock, he still had thirty minutes before his shift started, “Can I meet you at the station?”

“Yeah, sure, everything okay?” Noah quizzed.

“Yeah, fine, there was just some stuff that needed sorting out with Stiles and the pack and things, I’ll tell you about it when I get there.” He said, glad that he hadn’t called Noah last night when Stiles had vanished, as much as he got on with the older man, he knew the situation had needed to be resolved by talking to Stiles, not by dragging Noah into it. “Sorry, I’ve got a shift.” He said to Stiles apologetically.

“Don’t worry about it, I was going to call in and see dad later anyway, I could maybe come say hi to you once I’ve spoken to him?” Stiles said, already moving away to allow Derek to stand up and start getting ready.

“I’d love that.” He grinned, giving Stiles a quick peck on the lips before running upstairs to grab a shower.

“Great, which means I get the day with you.” Erica smirked.

“Don’t you have work?” Stiles replied.

“It’s an apprenticeship but I’m still allowed the day off now and again, especially when I need to make sure my best friend isn’t about to put his life in danger.” Erica shrugged.

“Um, what about me? Am I not allowed to make sure he’s not doing anything stupid too?” Scott added.

“If Deaton is okay with it, sure.” Stiles said. Deaton was still a sore topic around a lot of the pack, the fact that he might have been able to help Stiles learn about his magic and instead had said nothing and therefore left Stiles with a void inside him that the nogitsune had been able to enter easily, wasn’t something any of them had forgotten. Scott in particular had shouted at him a lot, something that only Derek knew about, he’d been lucky that he was there to intervene, otherwise he was almost certain that Scott would have torn the man apart. As it was, things were still strained between the pair, but once Deaton had apologised repeatedly, explaining that he’d had no idea that by not training Stiles it would have increased the chances of something filling the void inside him. Deaton had been trying to keep Stiles safe, knowing that magic was a dangerous skill, that if Stiles was trained in magic, it would only increase the danger he would be in as he’d become a walking, talking, trouble magnet, with all the trouble Stiles already got himself in, it made sense to Deaton that he didn’t increase that trouble, the chances of something finding and filling the void in Stiles were much less likely than him attracting trouble that he couldn’t handle if he trained in magic.

They all understood that Deaton had been trying to be helpful, trying to make the right decision, but, as they’d all discussed since, making decisions for Stiles didn’t usually turn out the way they hoped, they all agreed that Deaton should have explained the options to Stiles and allowed Stiles to make his own decisions, but, Derek couldn’t exactly argue with Deaton’s thought process, especially not when he’d made the exact same mistake.

“Deaton will be fine with it.” Scott said dismissively and Stiles looked at him in surprise, he’d never heard Scott speak about Deaton with that tone of voice before.

“Alright,” He said uncertainly, “If you’re sure, then, yeah, why not?” Stiles said, grinning when Derek reappeared, freshly showered and in his uniform.

“I’ll see you later and we’ll talk some more.” Derek said and Stiles jumped up, giving him a kiss and then pulling away a moment later.

“Deal.” Stiles smiled, unable to stop himself from grinning like an idiot when Derek stared at him looking stunned.

“God, I love you.” Derek said and Stiles grinned so widely he thought his cheeks were going to fall off.

“I love you too. Have fun at work and tell dad I’ll swing by later.” Stiles smiled.

“Okay, I’ve got to run, see you later.” Derek said, waving to the rest of the pack as he dashed out of the room, they heard his car start up a moment later and then he was gone.

“I need to get to college.” Lydia said and it was like her words broke some kind of trance for the rest of the pack as several of them hurried around before dashing off to wherever they were supposed to be, until, eventually, Stiles was left with Erica, Scott, Malia and Peter.

“So, are you going to show us the cottage then?” Malia asked and Stiles nodded, laughing at the fist pumps that both Scott and Erica gave.

“Sure thing, let’s go.” He said, making his way out the front door and in to the preserve. They were amazed by the fact that the cottage was hidden so well, Stiles showed them the location of the secret entrance, climbing down the ladder he’d created in the chimney and entering the living room. He’d enchanted the windows in the cottage to reflect the weather outside meaning that at present, bright sunlight was shining through them, it wasn’t a big spell to maintain, barely using any energy which Stiles was grateful for, but, the sunlight meant it was clear to see the scorch marks from the fight with the demon that he hadn’t had the energy to fix this morning.

“You weren’t kidding.” Erica muttered and Stiles shrugged, waving his hand and they all watched with amazement as the scorch marks vanished and fresh paint appeared in their place.

“So, your magic is back at full power then?” Peter asked and Stiles shrugged.

“Pretty much, obviously this thing with Derek, true mates or whatever it is, it helps me replenish energy a lot quicker without taking any of his, which, is great for both of us, but, also, kissing Derek without taking energy is pretty awesome too.” Stiles smiled.

“I don’t know, I mean, obviously I’ve thought about kissing Derek, I mean, he’s totally hot so who wouldn’t want to, but, preference wise, knowing how good of a kisser you are, I’d stick with that you’re slightly more awesome.” Erica said and Stiles shook his head fondly.

“You know, now that Derek and I are dating or together or whatever you want to call it, I’d say maybe stop offering to stick your tongue down my throat, I’m beginning to think he’s got a bit of a jealous streak.” Stiles teased.

“A bit? Are you kidding me? You might as well have ‘property of Derek Hale’ stamped on your forehead.” Malia laughed.

“I’d prefer it stamped on my ass if I’m honest.” Stiles muttered and Erica snorted with laughter.

“I’m almost certain Derek wants it stamped there too, god, you already reek of him and you haven’t even had sex yet, just, don’t go stinking the place out when you guys finally do it, the loft stank of the two of you for weeks last time.” Peter sniffed and Stiles gaped at him before blushing and nodding.

“Right, um, yeah, no stinking the house out, got it.”

“I don’t mind.” Malia said, “I thought it was a good smell, okay, like, yeah, the loft stank of your hurt and Derek’s anger, but, his room, it was a good smell, kind of, happy, yeah, you were both really happy, I used to go sit in there when I felt like I was losing my anchor, using the scent of both of you to keep me calm, but, then it faded, and I just had to try and remember what it felt like.” If Stiles had gaped at Peter, it was nothing in comparison to this, he was speechless, completely and utterly at a loss for words.

“Um.” Stiles muttered, glancing to the others for help on how to deal with this.

“That’s normal Malia.” Peter said, “The scent of your Alpha and his mate will always calm you, it will calm all of us, it doesn’t have to be sex related, just, last time, because of what happened afterwards, Derek’s room was the only room that smelled like both of them, if Derek hadn’t been an idiot, and Stiles hadn’t left, the loft would have become their den,” Stiles opened his mouth to speak and Peter shook his head, “No, I don’t mean sex everywhere in the loft, I mean, it would become your den, there’s a difference, it would be your scents combined, but, no, not sex everywhere, please at least attempt to keep it in the bedroom.”

“Got it.” Stiles said feeling mortified, now that he’d resolved things with Derek of course he was thinking about having sex with him, he hadn’t sex in over three years and even getting himself off had become something he only did when he needed energy, it wasn’t like he ever just did it for fun anymore, so, yeah, of course he was thinking about having sex with Derek, but, he really didn’t need everybody else to be thinking about it too, it was just embarrassing.

Around lunchtime he decided he was going to head across to the station, bring his dad and Derek some lunch, maybe, if it was a quiet day, he could speak to Derek, arrange for them to go somewhere and talk without all the pack listening in. He excused himself, letting the others make up their minds if they wanted to stay at the cottage or go back to the house before heading into town, he picked up a few burgers and chips and headed to the station, his dad was in his office so he went in to see him first, depositing the burger and chips in front of him and giving him a bright smile.

“So, I hear you and Derek are going to make a go of things?” Noah said once he’d finished his burger and Stiles finished his mouthful before nodding.

“I know you’re probably a bit unsure about it, I mean, after what happened last time…” Stiles said before Noah held up a hand to tell him to wait.

“I’m not unsure Stiles, you’re a grown man, it’s your decision to make, and, really, I like Derek, he’s a good man, he made a mistake before, one that he paid for, repeatedly, and, I trust your instincts Stiles, if you trust him, then I’m happy for you, both of you.”

“You’re not going to give him a big speech about how if he hurts me you’ll kill him?” Stiles smiled.

“Why would I? He already knows I would, I don’t need to tell him.” Noah smirked in reply and Stiles laughed.

“I’m, um, I’m really glad you’re okay with this dad, I was worried you’d tell me it was a mistake and I’d have to argue with you about it.”

“No, I think, personally, I think the two of you will be good together, you’ll balance each other out, although, you are both much too willing to sacrifice your lives to keep others safe, maybe you could both work on that a little bit, maybe having each other around will stop you both trying to achieve martyrdom, who knows? I just, I think you’re a good match, and, I’m happy for you kiddo, truly, I am.” Noah smiled, standing up and giving Stiles a hug, “Now, get out of here and go see that fella of yours, I’m sure I can give him an afternoon off so you can talk without everyone around.”

“Thanks dad.” Stiles said, hugging him again before he left the office and looked around the station.

“Hey, Stiles right?” A deputy said, approaching him and already holding out a hand for him to shake, Stiles accepted, shaking the man’s hand in reply and nodding. “I’m Deputy Mills, we met out at the lake, you know with those drowning victims?”

“Oh, right, yeah, Deputy Mills, nice to see you again.” Stiles said, still trying to place the man, had he perhaps been one of the deputies on perimeter watch? Stiles wasn’t sure, he couldn’t remember, a lot had happened since then, and Mills obviously hadn’t made a lasting impression. “Well, um, I better…”

“I was going to try and track you down before, but your dad said you were busy with work and stuff, being a special agent, that must be hard work. Did you have a lot of training?” Mills asked and Stiles shrugged.

“I guess, yeah, a few courses and stuff, anyway, I was just looking for…”

“So, you’ve seen a lot of the world then? Your dad said you travel a lot?”

“Um, yeah, I guess, I mean, a few places yeah, but, um, well, I actually came to see…”

“I’ve never really travelled much myself, nope, born and bred in the next town over, finished high school and knew I wanted to join the police force, so I signed up and have been a deputy ever since, six years actually, I moved here about six months ago, your dad’s a good sheriff, he managed to keep you a secret for a long time, I mean, obviously he talked about you, but, he never said you were off being a real life action hero, or just how attractive you are.”

“Well, erm, I, thanks?” Stiles said feeling incredibly uncomfortable, he wasn’t sure how he was supposed to reply to that.

“So, I was thinking, the reason I was trying to track you down before, I think it’d be a good idea if I took you out on a date, I like you, you like me, we could go get some food, see where the night takes us, so, when are you free?” Mills asked and Stiles gaped at him.

“I, um, well, you see, the thing is, I’m sure you’re a nice guy but…”

“Oh, come on, it’ll be fun, I’ll show you a good time, you haven’t been back in Beacon Hills for a while, I’ll show you all the good places to go, we can hit a few clubs, have a few drinks, enjoy ourselves.” Mills pressed reaching out to touch Stiles’ arm, just as the door opened and Derek walked in, Stiles stepped out of Mills’ grasp, shooting Derek an apologetic look. “I’m just saying, go on a date with me, it’d be the best decision of your life, I’m certain of it, all you have to do is come out with me, look at least half as good as you do right now and that’ll keep me happy all night, you don’t even have to talk to me.” Mills said and Stiles grimaced, it had been one thing Mills suggesting a date, it was another altogether when he was obviously just interested in sex.

“Thanks, but no thanks.” Stiles replied, glancing at Derek who was moving towards them with determination in his features, he couldn’t help but notice that most of the department were looking towards Mills and Stiles and it made him nervous, Mills took another step forward, as if to touch Stiles’ arm again except then Derek was there, reaching out a hand and cupping Stiles’ jaw before pulling him into a kiss right in front of Mills. Stiles put a hand on Derek’s hip, pulling him closer, he parted his lips allowing Derek’s tongue entrance to his mouth, groaning slightly as Derek’s hand moved to the back of his neck and he pulled Stiles closer to him, he could feel himself getting hard in his trousers, god, kissing Derek shouldn’t feel so amazing, he really needed to get a grip on himself, although, right now, he’d prefer that Derek got a grip on him. He pulled away, feeling Derek smirking against his lips, no doubt able to smell what he was doing to Stiles.

“Hey.” Derek said in greeting and Stiles laughed.

“Hey to you too. Do you greet everybody like that?” Stiles teased.

“Only the really special people.” Derek smiled in reply before he looked pointedly at Mills who was staring at both of them with an open mouth, “Something I can help you with Mills?” Derek asked, his hand still on Stiles’ cheek and Mills opened and closed his mouth a few times before he shook his head and turned on his heel, walking away quickly.

“So, um, dad said he’ll give you the afternoon off, that we could go and talk privately, I mean, we have stuff to talk about, you know, so, um, if you don’t mind bunking off for the afternoon, we could go talk?” Stiles said and Derek grinned.

“Yeah, that sounds good, let me just put this paperwork down and tell your dad I’m leaving and I’m all yours.”

“You’re all mine anyway.” Stiles remarked and Derek smiled brightly.

“You bet your ass I am.” Derek replied, walking to his desk and putting down his paperwork before going to Noah’s office and knocking before sticking his head in, “Sir? You don’t mind me disappearing for a few hours?”

“No, get out of here Hale. I expect you to make the time up over the rest of the week though, I don’t play favourites, even to my future son-in-law.”

“Got it sir.” Derek grinned, shutting the door, grabbing Stiles’ hand and leaving the station.

“Oh, here, I brought you food.” Stiles said, handing Derek a fast food bag as they slid into his car.

“Thanks, I’m starving.” Derek said, ripping open the bag and biting into the burger hungrily. “Tasty.”

“Good, glad you like it, I figured everybody likes grease, especially Alpha werewolves who have an incredibly fast metabolism and are constantly hungry.”

“I prefer foods that don’t stink of fat and grease, but, right now, I’m so hungry, it smells vaguely like actual meat, I’ll take it.” Derek replied, tearing another chunk off the burger.

“Didn’t you eat enough at breakfast?” Stiles queried.

“I thought I did, but then it’s been a long day, a few house calls, a chase through the market, burned off more energy than normal. How was your morning? Other than having Mills hitting on you and not knowing how to take no for an answer?” Derek said and Stiles laughed.

“Yeah, that was a little awkward, thanks for the save by the way.” Stiles commented.

“Of course, I wanted to make sure he knew that you weren’t interested in anyone else, I hope that wasn’t too, um, presumptuous of me?” Derek asked and Stiles grinned.

“Definitely not, the way I see it, you’re mine and I’m yours and everyone should know it, and, okay, I’m sure you could tell that I very much enjoyed that little possessive display earlier just by scent alone, so, I’m all for making sure everyone knows it, but, maybe a little warning next time, just so maybe I don’t get quite so excited, because popping a boner in public is kind of embarrassing.” Stiles rambled and Derek smiled happily.

“Really? Hmm, I mean, I knew you liked it, but, really? Popping a boner?” Derek grinned and Stiles rolled his eyes.

“Don’t go getting a big head, I’m pretty sure I could get you to have a boner with a kiss too.” Sties said.

“Want to give it a try?” Derek replied cheekily and Stiles smirked.

“You sure you could handle burning off the energy? Your stomach isn’t going to start rumbling part way through?”

“A kiss? Pretty sure I’ll be okay.” Derek replied, driving them out of town and into a more secluded part of the preserve before he pulled over and turned to look at Stiles, “So, I figure we should talk about this whole ‘soulmates’ thing.”

“Uh-huh, right after a kiss.” Stiles replied, moving forwards and pulling Derek into a kiss, leaning over the gearstick to get closer to him, smiling when Derek groaned, opening his mouth to allow Stiles’ tongue entrance to his mouth and he reached over to grip at Stiles’ waist. Stiles deepened the kiss, feeling Derek’s stubble under his fingertips, his lips rough against his own, Derek moaned again and raised his hips upwards as much as he could under his seatbelt and Stiles grinned, breaking the kiss. “See. Told you I could.” He whispered, reaching down and brushing his fingertips over Derek’s crotch, grinning at him as Derek groaned again, throwing his head back against the headrest and exposing his throat, Stiles moved forwards, pressing his lips to Derek’s throat and kissing softly, his fingers still tracing the outline of his cock through his jeans, Derek groaned louder, thrusting his hips upwards, trying to get more friction against Stiles’ hand when Stiles sucked gently against his skin.

“Jesus, Stiles.” Derek panted, unable to believe how quickly Stiles could drive him insane, just the feel of his lips on his skin, god, it was enough to have him begging for more and Derek was sure he’d never get enough of this.

“So, do you want to talk now?” Stiles smiled, pulling away from Derek and settling back into his seat.

“No, not right now, really no.” Derek said, unclipping his seatbelt and practically climbing over the gearstick to pin Stiles to his seat, kissing him fiercely, roughly, pressing him into the seat, his hands running over Stiles’ side, his waist, his hips, kissing his lips, his jaw, moving to nibble on his ear as Stiles gasped in pleasure, Derek smirked, not realising the kind of effect that action would have on Stiles, he moved slightly, kissing just behind his ear before biting his ear lobe softly again and Stiles grunted, his hips trying to thrust upwards except Derek was still holding his hips in place and he chuckled quietly into his ear, “Seems like I’m not the only one not interested in not talking right now.” Derek commented.

“Are you fucking serious!? Jesus, just, Derek, fuck.” Stiles said, trying to thrust his hips upwards again.

“I want you so badly right now.” Derek said and Stiles groaned.

“Well you’ve got me, just, god, I really, really, need you to touch me right now, god, please.” Stiles begged and Derek pulled away, smiling as he held Stiles in place.

“Okay, sure, but, not here.” Derek said seriously.

“What!?” Stiles squawked, “Derek, I swear to god, I already feel like I’m going to combust, if this is some weird wolf thing like we have to go do it in the preserve or something I’m going to kill you.” Stiles said, his voice trailing off into a whine when Derek nibbled on his ear again.

“It’s not a wolf thing.” He said, pulling away far enough to look Stiles in the eyes, to let him know how serious he was. “Stiles, the last time we had sex it was amazing, and then I messed things up, and, I don’t want this time, the first time when we both know exactly what we what and what this means, what we mean to each other, I don’t want this to be some quick fumble in my car, I want to do this right, I want to spend hours worshipping you and making sure that you are happy, that you know how much I love you, how much I want to be with you, I want to make love to you the way I should have done the first time, not when I was just reacting, when I’d been so scared of losing you, so desperate to make sure that you were mine and you were protected, I want to do this properly, I want you to know that I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you and today is just the start of our lives together.”

“Wow.” Stiles muttered, his eyes filling with unshed tears before he pulled Derek into a kiss, “You know how to make a guy feel really special.” He whispered against his lips, “I love you, god, I love you Der, I love you, I love you, I love you.” He said, each repetition making his heart throb unsteadily and his chest lighten, as if a great weight had been lifted, one he hadn’t even known he’d been carrying, as if admitting his feelings for Derek was releasing all the negative emotions he’d felt for so long.

“I love you too, god, Stiles, you have no idea how much I love you, I’d do anything for you, whatever you ask of me, I’m yours Stiles, for as long as you want.” He confessed in between kisses.

“I want you forever Derek, I want to be with you forever.” Stiles said, kissing Derek until his lungs burned with a lack of oxygen and his cock throbbed unhappily in his jeans, begging to be touched, until his heart felt like it had swollen with so much love and happiness that it was going to burst straight out of his chest. He pushed Derek off him gently, grinning at him happily, “If you’re serious about this, as in, getting home before I blow my load, we really need to stop what we’re doing and you need to drive like a crazy person.” Stiles explained and Derek nodded before leaning in, pecking Stiles quickly on the lips and then pulling away and sitting back in the driver’s seat, still gripping Stiles’ hand tightly in his own.

“I didn’t know how much I believed in true mates, I mean, it always sounded like a fairy tale, I guess, I’ve never really believed in ‘the one’,” Derek began, glancing to look across at Stiles who was staring at him, his pupils dilated, his lips swollen from where they had kissed, his hair sticking up in a hundred directions from where Derek had run his fingers through it, he was so beautiful it took Derek’s breath away, “But, if I’m honest, the second I met you, I knew you were someone special, someone who meant something to me, I just wasn’t sure what, you know I’m not exactly brilliant at knowing what I’m feeling or expressing those feelings, but, I knew you were different, that you mattered, and, even if it’s not true, even if true mates aren’t real, it’s real to me, you are my soulmate Stiles, I know it, I feel it, you’re everything I could ever want and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“I don’t know if it’s true either, if they exist.” Stiles replied after a moment of silence, “But, Derek, if it’s true, or if they’re not, it doesn’t matter to me, I know how I feel about you, I love you. You’re everything I could ever want, when I wake up, I think of you, when I go to sleep, you’re the last thing on my mind, whenever anything happens, I always imagine what you’d say or do when you find out, what face you’d make, what your eyebrows would do,” Stiles shook his head, “Sorry, I’m getting off topic, what I mean, what I’m trying to say, is, I think you are perfect, and, soulmate or not, ‘the one’ or not, it doesn’t matter, you are like the other half to me, you complete me and you make me happier than I ever thought possible, of course, you also make me want to punch you when you do stupid, reckless, idiotic things, but, I think you probably want to punch me for the same reasons, so, we’re at least on the same page there, sorry, I’m doing it again, I just, you matter to me too, from the moment I first met you, I knew you were someone special, and I felt the overwhelming urge to protect you and keep you safe and help you however I could, and, none of those feelings have ever gone away and I know they won’t ever go away, believe me, I tried, I tried thinking that you were nothing to me, just the local Alpha werewolf, but, you were never and will never be anything other than Derek Hale, my mate, the man I am completely and utterly, irrevocably, in love with.” Stiles confessed as they pulled up to the house and Derek was glad he wasn’t driving anymore, because, god, hearing Stiles call him his mate, it did something to Derek, it made him want to weep with joy, Stiles called him his mate, Stiles wanted them to be mates. He jumped out of the car and practically ran around to the passenger side, opening the door and pulling Stiles out and into a kiss.

“I love you too, god, Stiles, I love you so much, my mate, my Stiles.” Derek muttered against his lips, resting his hands on Stiles’ hips and pulling him closer to him, “I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you.” Derek repeated, he could feel his wolf howling with joy, howling with happiness as they confessed to their mate, but he didn’t care about that right now, all he cared about was Stiles’ lips against his own, as they kissed hungrily, passionately, fiercely, as if nothing could ever pull them apart. Derek gripped Stiles’ ass tightly and pulled him upwards, Stiles reacted instantly, wrapping his legs around Derek’s waist and not breaking contact with his lips as Derek carried him towards the house, taking one hand off Stiles long enough to open the front door and then stumbling towards the stairs.

“Make it to the bedroom for god’s sake!” Scott shouted from somewhere nearby and Stiles flushed but he didn’t even look in Scott’s direction, he didn’t care who else was there, all he could feel was Derek’s hands on his ass, his lips against his, his hard cock pressing into Stiles’ crotch as he carried him up the stairs, Stiles ran his hands over Derek’s broad shoulders, tangled his fingers in Derek’s hair before running them down his back, under his shirt, pulling him closer, god, he couldn’t wait to feel Derek’s bare skin against his own. “Jesus Christ! Do not start having sex on the stairs!” Scott shouted and Stiles pulled away enough to realise Derek had come to a complete stop, he was no longer walking them up the stairs, instead he was thrusting against Stiles’ crotch, his hands gripping Stiles’ ass so hard there was a chance he would leave bruises, as he tried to pull Stiles closer to him. Scott’s words seemed to break Derek out of his trance and he flushed, grinning at Stiles before he carried him the rest of the way up the stairs, into his room and shutting the door behind him, he moved towards the bed, kissing Stiles’ jaw, moving to his neck, his ear, his lips, god, he loved Stiles so much, he would never be able to get enough of this.

Stiles reached and pulled Derek’s shirt over his head even as he pulled his own shirt off, Derek’s eyes travelled downwards, lingering on Stiles’ tattoos, god, he couldn’t wait to touch them, to lick them, to kiss them, he pushed Stiles down on to the bed, grabbing at his belt and undoing it quickly, Stiles arched his hips upwards, helping Derek to pull his trousers off until he was lay on the sheets in his boxers, Derek just stared at him, god, he was so gorgeous and perfect and Derek wasn’t sure he was ever going to be able to believe his luck, that Stiles would ever want to be with him.

“Having second thoughts?” Stiles asked, looking suddenly nervous and Derek smiled at him ferally.

“The only thoughts I’m having right now is how you are perfect and I’m so lucky.” Derek said and Stiles blushed.

“Well, same here buddy, but, um, one of us is in boxers and the other still has way too many layers on.” Stiles said and Derek laughed, already unzipping his trousers and dropping them to the floor before climbing onto the bed and on top of Stiles, his fingers tracing Stiles’ tattoos teasingly.

“Better?” He muttered against Stiles’ lips.

“Much.” He replied, grinning widely, his hands resting on Derek’s hips and leaning up to kiss him. Derek grabbed Stiles’ wrists gently, pinning them above his head with one hand and then moving to trace the tattoos again, “Do you like them?” Stiles queried, gasping when Derek leaned down and started licking, sucking and biting at Stiles’ skin, wanting to leave his own marks next to the marks already on Stiles’ skin.

“I love them.” Derek said in between kisses, moving away from the tattoos and on to a few of the scars that littered Stiles’ torso, kissing and licking and sucking at them as Stiles gasped underneath him, arching his hips upwards and grinding into Derek’s crotch, Derek moaned, grinding down into Stiles’ groin, smiling happily when Stiles let out a loud groan.

“God, Der, fuck.” Stiles panted, grinding against him as much as he could.

“No, we’re taking this slowly.” Derek said, tightening his grip on Stiles’ wrists, holding him still, “You’re going to stay still, let me take care of you.” Derek said, his fingers brushing the waistband of Stiles’ boxers and Stiles moaned with pleasure.

“Please, god, shit.” Stiles groaned, thrusting up against Derek.

“Stiles,” Derek growled warningly, “Stay still for me my mate, I’m going to take very good care of you.” Derek smirked, reaching down, pulling Stiles’ boxers down and stroking his cock slowly, Stiles whimpered in pleasure, writhing underneath Derek, desperate to get more friction, to feel Derek, to, god, it turned him on so much to hear Derek call him his mate, no doubt Derek could smell his arousal spiking at those words, he needed more, he was desperate for more.

“Please, Der, please, please.” Stiles begged.

“Do you like that, my mate? Do you want more?” Derek teased and Stiles nodded vigorously.

“Yes, god, yes, more, please.” Stiles pleaded, gasping with pleasure when Derek stroked his cock a little faster this time.

“I like seeing you like this, desperate for me to touch you, you look delectable.” Derek muttered, “My mate, desperate for me, how desperate are you baby?”

“Very, please, please Derek, please, god, I need more, please.” Stiles whimpered, he was so hard, so horny, Derek’s words were turning him on so much, he trusted Derek more than anything, trusted he would never hurt him, Stiles knew he could let his guards down, let go of his control, let Derek be in control of him, without any worries that he would ever get hurt, he was so aroused it was hard to think straight.

“Do you want to know how much it turns me on seeing you like this?” Derek asked and Stiles nodded, “Enhance your senses for me.” He said and Stiles managed to take a steadying breath long enough to enhance his senses, he inhaled, the scent of Derek’s arousal filling his senses, it was almost overwhelming, only spiking his own arousal, knowing Derek was enjoying this just as much, it just made Stiles so happy that he couldn’t concentrate, “Look at you, god, you’re so perfect, you’re so beautiful, you’re gorgeous, you’re perfect, you’re so fucking perfect.” Derek said, looking at Stiles’ eyes seriously, he shifted forward, grinding his crotch against Stiles’, kissing his lips before he moved to Stiles’ throat, kissing and sucking, making Stiles groan and thrust against him.

“Please Der, please, I want you, I want you my mate, please.” Stiles begged.

“Say it again.” Derek smirked and Stiles licked his lips, Derek tracked the movement, leaning down and biting Stiles’ lower lip, tugging on it gently as Stiles moaned with pleasure, “Say it again for me.” Derek muttered.

“I want you my mate. I want you, please, my mate, I need you, please, please Derek, please, I want you, god, fuck,” Derek stroked Stiles’ cock and Stiles’ eyes practically rolled back in his head, “Jesus, fuck, Der, please, my mate, I need you, I need you, please.” Derek could feel his eyes flashing red, his own hips thrusting forward, grinding against Stiles, the material of his boxers getting in the way, he needed them off, he needed them off now. He pulled away, ripping his boxers off, “Yes, god, yes, please.” Stiles said in relief, groaning when he felt Derek’s cock press against his own. Derek thrust forward, rubbing their cocks together, both of them gasping at the sensation, “Jesus, fuck, Der, shit.” Stiles whimpered, writhing with pleasure as Derek gripped his wrists tightly.

“It’s okay Stiles, I’ve got you, I’ve got you my mate, you’re okay, I’m going to look after you.” Derek muttered, reaching down and tracing his finger gently around Stiles’ hole, “You look so good for me my mate, I’m going to take such good care of you.”

“Please, yes, please, Der, my mate, my true mate, my soulmate, please.” Stiles gasped and Derek nearly lost it at those words, he thrust forward harder, his gip tightening on Stiles, his other hand cradling Stiles’ balls tenderly before reaching across to the bedside table, pulling out a small bottle of lube and moving it back to the bed. “I love you, I love you so much.”

“I love you too, my mate, my Stiles.” Derek said, opening the lube, pouring some on to his fingers and massaging Stiles’ hole gently. “You’re mine and I’m yours, whatever you want you can have, I’ll do anything you ask.”

“I want you inside me Derek, please, I want you, shit, please, Der, please, my Derek, please.” Stiles muttered, moaning as Derek slid a finger inside him, his mouth dropping open and his eyes fluttering closed in pleasure.

“No, no, look at me, that’s it baby, look at me.” Derek said and Stiles opened his eyes, looking at Derek, his cheeks flushed with pleasure, his eyes still glowing gold, his lips parted, Derek’s marks littering his neck and chest, “That’s it Stiles, stay with me.” Derek said, moving his fingers around slowly, before sliding them in and out of Stiles’ hole, “You’re doing so good for me baby, so good.” Derek cooed softly, still biting and nibbling at Stiles’ throat as he thrust his fingers in and out until he thought Stiles was ready for him, “I want to make love to you Stiles, I want to take my time, want to make this so good for you.”

“You can take your time next time, please, right now, I need you inside me, please.” Stiles begged and Derek shook his head fondly.

“Tell me how badly.”

“Oh my god! Der, please, my mate, please, I need you inside me, please, I want you, I want you so badly, I need to have you, god, I need you, I’ll do anything, anything you want, just, please, I need you right now, I need you, please.” Stiles pleaded, writhing underneath him in an attempt to increase the pressure of Derek’s fingers or the friction against his cock, Stiles was going to lose his freaking mind if Derek didn’t do something soon, Derek shifted, positioning himself and then slowly sliding in to Stiles, watching Stiles’ face, wanting to make sure he wasn’t hurting him, letting go of his wrists and cupping his jaw tenderly, kissing him softly, gently, wanting to make sure that Stiles knew how loved he was.

“Jesus, fuck, Stiles.” He gasped as he inched his way in, until, eventually, he bottomed out, feeling like his brain was going to explode at the sensation, god, he’d forgotten how good this felt, it was amazing, better than amazing, it was mind blowing, insane, unable to believe that he was getting to do this, that Stiles wanted to be with him just as much as Derek wanted to be with him.

“Oh my, fuck, shit, Der, Jesus, god, you feel so good.” Stiles gasped.

“You have no idea how incredible you feel Stiles, god, this feels amazing, I love you, I love you, I love you.” He muttered, repeating his words in between kisses.

“I love you too.” Stiles panted, “Fuck, Der, I need you to move, please, please my mate, please.” Stiles pleaded and Derek complied, thrusting forwards slightly and making Stiles moan loudly with pleasure, “Oh, Jesus, fuck, Derek!” Stiles groaned as Derek took his time, moving forward and backwards slowly, he was so close to cumming and he didn’t want to, not yet, he wanted to make this last, make this pleasurable for Stiles.

Stiles reached up, tangling his fingers in Derek’s hair, pulling him in a gentle kiss, their lips brushing delicately, softly, sweetly, breathing into each other’s mouths as Derek thrust slowly, taking his time, making it last for both of them, Stiles was panting, both of them trembling with exertion as they built towards their orgasms.

“Shit, please, god, Derek, I’m so close, I’m so fucking close, god, Der, mine, god, you’re mine.” Stiles muttered, his eyes fluttering, shifting between their usual amber and his magical gold as he began to lose control of himself, “Der, fuck, please, oh god, please, I need, I’m so close, faster, please, faster.” He begged and Derek groaned, those words were enough to send him over the edge, he thrust harder, faster, so close to his own orgasm that he could barely think straight.

“Stiles, Stiles, shit, oh god, Stiles, I’m going to, fuck, I’m going…” Derek said, trailing off when Stiles tensed against him, his hands gripping tighter on Derek’s arms.

“Der! Shit! Derek!” Stiles moaned as his orgasm overwhelmed him, Derek felt Stiles clench against him and that was enough to send him howling over the edge of his own orgasm. Derek wasn’t sure he’d ever had an out-of-body experience before, but, if he had to say what one was, this was what it felt like, his vision whited out for a second before it returned and everything was tinged with red. His entire body was trembling and shaking, his brain had short-circuited, he had never felt such extreme pleasure before, this was a thousand times better than any orgasm that he’d ever experienced and just when he was sure it couldn’t be any more fantastic, a split second later, Stiles’ energy boost washed over him and his wolf howled, his eyes shifting to bright red, his claws coming out and digging into the sheets.

“Fuck! Stiles!” He growled around a set of elongated teeth that hadn’t been there a moment before, he thrust forward again, desperate to get closer, deeper, as if he could completely and utterly bury himself in Stiles, he looked at Stiles, his own orgasm had obviously been intense, his eyes were glowing a bright gold, his hips arched up as Derek thrust forward and Stiles gasped in pleasure, the aftershocks of his orgasm still coursing through him.

“God, Derek, fuck.” Stiles moaned, at a loss for words as his entire body shook and trembled through his orgasm, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so hyped up, so overwhelmed, so energized and yet, like his legs wouldn’t be able to support him if he stood. Derek’s thrusts slowed as he came back to his senses, Stiles looked up at him, at the bright red eyes that stared back at him, at the claws that dug into the bed next to him, at the fangs that could tear his throat out if they wanted, “You’re so perfect.” He muttered and Derek looked at him in confusion, already shifting back to his human face. “I love you, like, crazily, deeply, madly, unconditionally, love you.” Stiles whispered.

“I love you too Stiles, more than anything.” Derek replied, leaning in to kiss him sweetly, softly and tenderly. He was already hard again, refreshed and re-energized from Stiles’ energy boost and he could see that Stiles was hard as well, he grinned happily, “Do you remember what Peter asked you a while ago?”

“Peter’s asked me a lot of things, most of them I try to wipe from my memory, your uncle has some seriously gross thoughts.” Stiles replied his voice trailing off into a groan when Derek thrust slightly, “Can we please not talk about Peter when we’re having sex? There’s a line of what I’m willing to do and that is way over it.” Derek laughed loudly, shaking his head fondly before he pressed his nose to Stiles’ neck, inhaling his scent, loving that Stiles was covered in Derek’s scent too, it would tell everyone that Stiles was his, his wolf howled happily at that thought.

“I was meaning, when he asked you about if your energy boosts made it so that you could continue having sex almost continuously. I want to try that out.” Derek smirked and Stiles rolled his eyes.

“You want to see how long we can have sex for? You seriously want more orgasms right now? I’m pretty sure I nearly passed out from the last one and you want more?” Stiles asked and Derek grinned.

“I want to give you more, yeah, I love seeing you cum, I love feeling it, I want to spend as much time as I can pleasuring you, until you can’t see straight, until you’re so satisfied that you can barely stand.” Derek said, thrusting forward as he spoke, Stiles gripped his biceps, holding tightly as he wrapped his legs around Derek’s thighs and pulled him closer.

“I’m already certain I can’t stand.” Stiles laughed and Derek was so proud, so smug that he was the one that got to be with Stiles like this, he would never take it for granted, but, god, he was the luckiest man in the entire world, he wanted everyone to know Stiles was his and he was Stiles’, he wanted everyone to know that he was the one that got to be with Stiles and that nobody else was ever going to have that privilege, not as long as Stiles wanted to be with him.

Several hours later, long after the sun had set and the moon had risen and the entire pack had gone to bed, they finally collapsed into the sheets in exhaustion. Stiles’ latest orgasm had given them another boost, but, in honesty, Derek wasn’t sure he was going to be able to walk as it was, even with the extra energy his whole body was trembling, they were both coated with sweat, Derek’s stomach was covered in drying cum and Derek’s cum was leaking out of Stiles’ ass, if he’d thought the first time they’d had sex this afternoon was amazing, it was nothing in comparison to their latest round. He couldn’t think, couldn’t even form a sentence, all he could think was that he was so fucking happy, he wrapped an arm around Stiles’ back, pulling him into Derek’s chest, snuggling up to him, inhaling their combined scents and grinning widely.

“Somebody smells happy.” Stiles muttered and Derek nodded as he looked at Stiles’ eyes.

“I’m so happy, so fucking happy, I love you Stiles, I love you so much.” Derek sighed, he could sleep now, god, he was already on the edge of sleep, but, he wanted Stiles to know how much he loved him, that it wasn’t just sex, that he wanted everything that Stiles offered.

“I love you too Der, my Derek.” Stiles mumbled, his voice trailing off slightly before he let out a soft snore, Derek chuckled quietly, pressing a soft kiss to Stiles’ temple and snuggling closer to him.

“I love you, my Stiles.” He whispered in reply before he too slipped into sleep.

Stiles stared at the empty bed next to him and felt his stomach lurch uncomfortably, he threw back the sheets, half expecting Derek to appear in the bedroom doorway, but, he didn’t, Stiles wandered down the hallway, everything seemed to echo too loudly in his ears, the house felt too large, out of proportion, Derek was nowhere in sight, he called out for him and Stiles’ own voice echoed back at him. He wandered into the kitchen and saw Derek stood against the counter, looking out of the window, his back to Stiles, his shoulders tense, his hands gripping the counter tightly.

“Derek?” Stiles asked, his voice still echoing unnervingly, his stomach feeling like it had been replaced by several bricks, Derek turned to look at him, anger in his features, his eyes glowing red and such hatred in them that Stiles felt sick. “Derek? What’s wrong?”

“You. You’re what’s wrong! Do you honestly think I’d want to be with you?” Derek snarled in disgust, “Pathetic, stupid, scared little Stiles? Why would I want to be with you? You’re nothing. You’re less than nothing. You’re a liability. You always have been. You were too stupid to see Theo was using you to get to the nogitsune and Steph died because of it. It’s your fault she’s dead, you think I’d want to be with someone that was so cowardly that they got their friend killed? You’re pathetic Stiles, pining after me, I’ll never be interested in you, I only said that because I wanted to have a good laugh with the rest of the pack over just how stupid you are.” Derek spat and Stiles felt the tears filling his eyes, unable to stop them as they spilled down his cheeks. “You think if you cry I’ll feel sorry for you? I don’t want you Stiles. I never did. You’re nothing. A mistake. You were just there and I was horny, that’s all it was, all it will ever be.”

“But, you said…” Stiles tried, his voice cracking as fresh tears rolled down his cheeks, “You said you loved me?”

“I would have said anything to get you into bed. I just didn’t know it was going to be so easy, you’re stupider than I thought.” Derek replied mockingly and Stiles felt like his heart was being crushed, that Derek had ripped it from his chest and was currently crushing it in front of his very eyes.

“Stiles!” That was Derek’s voice, but it didn’t sound right, it wasn’t coming from Derek’s mouth and it sounded scared, panicked, he turned around and saw another Derek run into the kitchen, he looked around in surprise for a minute as if he didn’t expect Stiles to be there.

“You’re disgusting! You’re a disappointment to everyone who knows you, they all hate you, they all know that you’re a failure, that it’s your fault Steph is dead. She died because of you. Steve died because of you. How many more good people have to die because of you before you realise you don’t deserve to be surrounded by good, decent, human beings? How long before you realise none of us want you here!?” The first Derek shouted and Stiles felt like his insides were being ripped out and stomped all over.

“No! No! Don’t listen to him Stiles! You’re dreaming! It’s just a dream!” The second Derek said, reaching out to touch Stiles and grimacing when Stiles backed away from him as if he’d been struck.

“Dreaming? Pathetic! Any excuse just to try and deny the truth. I don’t want you Stiles. I would never want you. The only reason I’d ever sleep with you is for a joke, a bet. But to want to be with you? To want to wake up and see your face? The face of a murderer? You’re a murderer Stiles! You’re weak! You’re pathetic! You’re stupid! I would never want to be with you!”

“Stiles! He’s lying! He’s lying to you! Please! Wake up baby! Wake up!” The second Derek pleaded, looking so pained that Stiles wanted to do whatever he asked just to try and take that look off his face.

Stiles blinked his eyes open and stared up at Derek’s worried expression, they were in his bedroom, still tangled in the bed sheets, Stiles opened his mouth to speak but only a sob came out, his heart racing uncomfortably fast as he tried to process it had only been a dream, Derek hugged him tightly, running a hand reassuringly over his back, his neck, through his hair, holding him tightly.

“It’s okay, it was only a dream, it’s okay, you’re alright, he was lying, it was all lies, everything’s fine, it’s okay baby, it was just a dream, I’m here, I’m right here, it’s alright, I love you, I love you, it’s okay, I’m here, my Stiles, I’m here, you’re safe.” Derek whispered quietly as Stiles sobbed into his chest until finally, what could have been a few minutes or a few hours later, Stiles swiped at his eyes and took a few steadying breaths, pushing himself away from Derek to look him in the eyes.

“Was that…were you…did you see?” Stiles asked, not sure what he was attempting to say, but, it was like, it seemed like Derek had known exactly what he was dreaming about, and, Stiles was, he didn’t know what had happened.

“Yeah, I was, I was asleep.” Derek explained in a whisper, still holding Stiles tightly as he pulled the sheets over them, snuggling into the bed and getting them comfortable, “I was dreaming about you, we were out in the preserve, laughing about something, and, then, then I was in the house, I knew it was a dream, I just, I could feel it, it was a dream, and I could hear him shouting at you, but, I couldn’t find you, I stumbled around for a while, listening to him shouting, until I found you, and, god, you looked so upset, and I didn’t know how to help, I just, I wanted you to wake up, I wanted you to know it wasn’t real, and, then I woke up and I was in bed and a second later, you were awake too.” He paused, looking at Stiles, “I’m guessing nothing like that has ever happened to you before? I mean, somebody else being in your dreams? Not the nightmare bit, I know that’s happened before.”

“No, definitely a first. I…that was so…am I still dreaming?” He muttered, unable to believe Derek had been able to see his nightmare.

“No, you’re definitely awake, we both are, how about we go downstairs and get a coffee? I’m not on shift until tonight, we can spend the day together if you like?”

“That sounds good.” Stiles said, cuddling Derek for a few seconds before he pulled away, “Coffee sounds really good, although I still feel pretty energized, caffeine might not be the best idea.” Derek stared at him in mock horror.

“Hang on, are you feeling okay?” He said, pressing his hand to Stiles’ forehead, “You won’t even let sugar dilute your caffeine and now you’re planning on turning it down altogether!? Are you ill? Do you feel sick?” He teased and Stiles smacked him playfully on the arm.

“Har-har.” He said, rolling out of bed, and looking around for his clothes.

“Here.” Derek said, throwing him some of his own clothes, just a t-shirt and some sweats, but, Stiles wearing his clothes while he still smelled of the two of them and sex, it was just perfect. He put on a pair of joggers that hung low on his hips and glanced across at Stiles who was staring at him hungrily. “We could skip the coffee or non-coffee if you’d prefer to stay in bed?” Derek smirked and Stiles smiled, taking a step towards Derek just as his stomach rumbled loudly. “Right, food first, even if you don’t have coffee, food is still a necessity.”

“Not if we just keep having energy boosts.” Stiles pouted, but he knew he wasn’t going to win the argument and he didn’t really want to, he was hungry, he wasn’t going to deny it.

“We can have as many ‘boosts’ as you want, after we’ve both eaten.” Derek said, taking his hand and leading him downstairs to the kitchen. Derek sat Stiles down on one of the stools and then moved to the fridge, looking for a few seconds before he pulled out sausages, bacon, eggs and hash browns. “So, dream walking, is that a thing?” Derek asked as he started cooking.

“A thing only becomes a thing if it happens multiple times, at the moment, it could just be a one-off, in which case, no, it’s not a thing for us, not yet, maybe not ever. But, is dream walking a thing that people study and train in? Yeah, definitely. But, I never did. I had enough problems with my own dreams, I really didn’t want to go wandering off into others too.”

“You said you never really got the hang of healing either, but, you healed me. Maybe it’s something to do with our bond?” Derek asked and Stiles pursed his lips in thought.

“Maybe, I guess it could be, or it could be the bond and nothing to do with my magic at all? I don’t suppose your mom ever told you stories of her and your dad sharing dreams?” Stiles asked and Derek shook his head sadly.

“Not than I can remember anyway, Cora might be better to ask, she used to hang on every word mom and Laura said, I always preferred to hang out with the other boys my age and then, well, you know what happened.” Derek said just as Erica and Boyd appeared in the doorway, “Morning? You guys are up early?”

“Yeah, well, thanks to certain people in this room, I have so much energy I’m not sure I need to sleep for the next few weeks,” Erica said and Stiles blushed, “And, thanks to those same people, I could smell food.” She said, settling on the stool next to Stiles and knocking their shoulders together, “You okay?” She could see the tear tracks on Stiles’ cheeks and didn’t need to be a genius to figure out he’d had a nightmare.

“Yeah, fine, just, the usual.” Stiles said, accepting the mug of coffee Derek slid his way with a wry grin. “Thanks.” He muttered.

“So what are you asking Cora?” Boyd asked and Stiles sighed.

“If her mom ever mentioned sharing dreams with her dad. Just, Derek kind of, found himself in one of my dreams?” Stiles explained.

“What? Like, he had a similar dream to you?” Erica asked in astonishment.

“No, I mean, he was dreaming of something else completely and then he moved into the nightmare I was having and managed to wake me up.” Stiles said.

“That’s…um…wow.” Erica said, speechless for one of the very few times in her life.

“Yeah. That’s what I thought too.” Stiles replied, taking a swig of coffee and feeling the caffeine hit his system almost immediately, “I guess research is on the cards.”

“Not today.” Derek said, sliding a plate of food in front of Stiles and then a second plate in front of Erica and Boyd before sitting on the stool next to Stiles with his own plate, “Today we don’t have to figure anything out, we don’t have a life or death mission, we don’t need to worry the world is going to implode, all we’re going to do today is spend some time together, the two of us, watch some crappy films, or go walking in the preserve, or whatever you want, but, today is a day for just us, screw everybody else.”

“Yeah, the two of you do enough screwing for all of us.” Boyd commented and Stiles gaped at him before laughing brightly.

“We haven’t even gotten started.” Stiles grinned, “In fact, I think I need a shower after breakfast, want to join me?” He asked Derek who smiled, wolfing down his bacon.

“Why wait until after breakfast?” He replied.

“Why go to the shower? Do it here. Scott might be a prude but I’m not.” Erica said and Stiles smacked her arm. “You want us to join in? I mean, I’d be more than happy to, so would Boyd. We could make the others really jealous?”

“Erica, stop it, we’ve gone over this, I’m not having sex with you.” Stiles sighed heavily and Derek wrapped an arm around his waist possessively.

“Mine.” Derek growled, flashing his eyes at Erica who only rolled hers in reply.

“Yeah, well aware of that Alpha, considering how much he already reeks of you.” Erica said.

“Come on, we’re going to go get a shower.” Stiles said, pulling Derek to his feet, and passing Peter, Scott and Lydia on the stairs.

“At least use a soundproofing spell this time.” Scott called over his shoulder and Stiles flipped him off as he dragged Derek into their bedroom, shutting the door behind them and moving towards the adjoining bathroom, deciding to at least be kind to Scott and soundproof the room.

“You were serious about shower sex?” Derek asked as Stiles turned the shower on and pulled off his shirt.

“I was serious about a shower.” He smirked, “If you want to join me, that’s totally up to you.” He grinned, dropping his trousers and stepping into the shower, Derek almost tripped out of his own trousers as he pulled them down and hurried after Stiles.

It was almost lunchtime by the time they made it back downstairs, by which time most of the pack had gotten up and either left for college or work or whatever else their plans involved, Derek grabbed the television remote, grabbing hold of Stiles and pulling him down onto the sofa, wrapping arms around him and cuddling up next to him, already flicking on the television until he found a good action film he knew Stiles liked.

“I love you.” Derek muttered into his ear and Stiles grinned blindingly, “I’ll always be here for you and we’ll always be together, no matter what, we’ll come back to each other.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I love you too Der, my mate.” Stiles replied happily, pressing up against Derek and snuggling deeper into the cushions to get comfortable. “I could spend every day like this.” He sighed contentedly.

“Me too.” Derek mumbled.

“So, today is just for us, right?” Stiles asked.

“Yep.” Derek said sleepily, humming happily.

“And tomorrow, we go back to normal?”

“No, tomorrow we go back to our jobs, our responsibilities haven’t gone away, but, I don’t want to go back to how things were, us dancing around each other, neither of us sure of how to fix things or anything like that, I want this Stiles, I want to be with you, I want this to be our new normal, waking up with you, cuddling with you, watching films with you, making you breakfast, looking after you, you looking after me, having each other’s back whenever and wherever. I want this to be the first, well, technically second, day of the rest of our lives together.” Derek said and Stiles turned his head enough to give Derek a soft kiss.

“That sounds good to me. The second day of the rest of our lives together. Everything else we can and will deal with, possibly dream-walking, soulmates, true mates, or whatever else crops up, but, for today, the rest of the world doesn’t exist.” Stiles said, cuddling up to Derek contentedly.

“That sounds perfect.” Derek smiled, “You’re perfect, my mate, my Stiles.” He said, his eyes already drifting closed as Stiles slipped slowly into sleep in front of him, Derek couldn’t believe how lucky he was, how perfect things were, sure, he had no doubts there would be things thrown at them, how could there not be when Stiles was a little danger magnet? But he also had no doubts at all that between the two of them, and with the rest of the pack behind them, there was nothing that they couldn’t overcome. He knew the pack would wake them when they arrived home, but, he couldn’t be bothered worrying about it right now, like Stiles said, everything else they could deal with, he breathed in Stiles’ scent, the scent of his true mate lying in his arms, the way things were meant to be, and followed him into sleep.