Chapter Text
Stiles tentatively walks up the staircase, taking it one timid step at a time. Stiles doesn’t really know what he’s going to say once he gets to the top of the staircase and stands in front of Eli’s bedroom door. For once he’s at a loss because how do you explain to your kid that even though his father loves him, something more important came in the way of spending time together.
He makes it to the top of the staircase and goes for the handle of Eli’s door before stopping himself. The hushed voices of his father and Eli’s soft hiccups halt him in place.
“It’s not fair.” Eli says through sniffles.
Stiles knows it’s wrong to eavesdrop but he can’t help himself as he places the side of his face flush to the door.
“I know kiddo.” The sheriff replies. “Your dad just has a lot of things that he has to do. Canceling your trip doesn't mean he doesn't love you. I’m sure once you talk to him you’ll be able to figure something out.”
There’s shuffling on the other side of the door and the Sheriff lets out a soft oof sound. Stiles imagines that Eli plops himself into his grandfather's arms, eager to be held like when he was a young child. Stiles takes that as his que to tap three soft knocks on the door announcing his presence.
“Come in” Eli calls out, his voice rough and hoarse from the crying.
As Stiles opens the door he’s met with Eli’s flushed and tear stained face while he’s still held by the Sheriff. Eli looks up towards Stiles and offers him a small pitiful smile, wiping his face as he lets go of the embrace with his grandfather and takes small steps to Stiles.
“Is dad downstairs?” Eli questions, looking past Stiles’s shoulder to the empty hallway.
Stiles shakes his head. “He wanted to give you some space because he knew how much the trip meant to you.”
Eli lowers his head and nods, disappointment oozing out of him.
Stiles doesn't move, he doesn’t really even know what to say at the moment. That everything will be okay? Maybe that his dad just has a lot on his plate at the moment and that the fishing trip will just have to be moved for logistics sake. That’s the obvious thing to say. However, Stiles just keeps his mouth shut. He thinks about how Derek left looking just shy of absolutely devastated and even though it sort of pains him to give his ex any type of grace, he needs it.
He glances at his father, looking equally stuck on what to do. How do you navigate when your parents disappoint you?
Stiles claps his hands together, catching the attention of Eli and the Sheriff.
“Maybe we can start the movie ov-”
“I think I wanna be alone now.” Eli interrupts.
He doesn't meet Stiles’ eye, just folds his arms over his chest as he finds a spot on the carpeted floor and stares at it.
“O-okay.” Stiles agrees slowly. He takes cautious steps backwards until he’s fully out into the hallway, the Sheriff following but only after he casts several glances over his shoulder to Eli. Once they are both securing lingering in the hallway, Eli makes his move by taking fast strides to his door, shutting it closed.
The sheriff lets out a sigh, shaking his head as he makes his way down the hallways and trudges down the staircase. Stiles follows along silently until they’re both in the living room. The movie still paused where it was when the whole ordeal began.
Stiles looks back to the sheriff, as he’s plopped himself back onto the sofa with irritation on his face. The sheriff huffs as he reaches over to the ottoman, snatching up the remote and hitting the play button, resuming the movie. “That asshole.” He says under his breath.
Stiles instinctively pinches the bridge of his nose.
Here it comes.
“Dad, please. Don’t start with this right now.” Stiles practically begs. Stiles has tried to hold back the proverbial shit show that is the Sheriff's hatred of Derek.
The Sheriff scoffs, he angrily pauses the movie again and gives Stiles a scowl. “What? I’m not allowed to be angry about that fucker making my grandson cry?” He practically spits it out, venom wrapped in every word.
“Of course you’re allowed to be angry!” Stiles snaps back. “But I-I..” Stiles sighs and squeezes his eyes shut and tries to calm himself down. He always gets like this whenever Derek is mentioned. His sound of his heartbeat pulsing loudly in his head as he tries to not explode.
He takes a deep breath in through his nose and stares at the paused movie on the television, letting air out of his mouth slowly before he turns to his dad again. The Sheriff eyeing him as he waits for Stiles to continue his thought.
“I’m trying to not hold a grudge against Derek.” Stiles explains. “And it doesn't help that you shit on him any chance you get.”
His dad huffs and rolls his eyes dramatically. “Well maybe he shouldn't do things like cheat on you or disappoint my grandson.”
Stiles lets out another haggard sigh before he takes back his spot on the couch, plopping himself down. He doesn't say anything back - he can’t find the words actually. He knows that logically, any parent would be upset with the actions of Derek, hell, Stiles is upset. But he’s five years deep into being divorced and Eli will only get older. Stiles wonders how long he can continue to let animosity fester and potentially affect Eli.
He looks at the Sheriff. The deep frown lines on his face are more prominent, crows' feet tugging at the sides of his eyes and just an overall look of being older. Stiles hates these moments. The moments where he sees his father for who he really is. A man just aging and wanting his only child to be happy. That makes Stiles sort of feel like shit because he can’t seem to fulfil that wish for his father.
“Look,” He starts. “What happened between me and Derek was a long time ago.” The frown on his fathers face only deepens with Derek’s name being mentioned. “I’d like to move on and not fight with you on every little thing regarding him.”
The Sheriff tosses the remote with a scoff.
“I wasn’t trying to start a fight.” he grumbles under his breath. “But fine,” He concedes. “I won't say anything about that asshole.”
“Thank you.”
Stiles thinks that it’s the end of the conversation and looks back towards the tv as the Sheriff presses play again. Their distraction only lasts a few minutes before his father is pausing the movie again and turning his whole body towards Stiles.
“You never told me why you never tried to work it out.” He states.
Stiles freezes. He doesn't want to talk about this. In fact, Stiles would gladly go back to yelling and shouting if only to push back this topic to the deepest darkest parts of hell. That’s where it belongs anyway. Far from the prying eyes and ears of every person that was not only shocked but in practical denial when Stiles announced that he and Derek were breaking up. It was like the world was ending. It was Bradgelina, Ocean Gate and the fucking 2016 election results all rolled into one. A cataclysmic event that made people stop believing in love.
That’s what Ms.Smith said anyway, all those years ago. She was a nosy neighbor, but a nice one all the same. Her sentiments of Stiles’ marriage ending was that on par with the extinction of the dinosaurs, along with a plate of cookies to soothe his anguish.
Of course he wouldn't tell his father why they continued with the divorce. It wasn't like no one knew how much Derek was trying to get him back. The constant calls, flowers being sent to the house and his job. Once Derek moved out, the older man only got more desperate with his antics.
“I don’t want to talk about this.” Stiles mutters, looking down at the floor trying to think of anything other than how much this makes him want to scream.
“You never want to talk about it. Maybe that’s why you haven’t dated.”
“Dad, I don’t need therapy.” Stiles palms his face because this has been a repeated sentiment from his father since the divorce was finalized. “Well, you need to talk to someone about what you’ve been through.”
The Sheriff throws up his arms as he waits for a response and gets exactly nothing.
Stiles feels bad clamming up about this. It’s his natural response to anything regarding five years ago, and Derek. With Kate he’s even worse because it’s like he can’t help but to go ballistic. If he shuts down he can’t cry about how his family broke up and he helped do it.
There’s a hand at his shoulder, awkwardly rubbing, waking Stiles out of his thoughts. “You don’t know how scared I was when you called me that night. I mean you were so distraught when you couldn't find your mom’s-”
“Please don’t.” Stiles interrupts. He rubs at his face again, this time groaning into his hands because why can’t his dad just let this go.
“I want to help.” The sheriff adds.
Stiles stands from the couch, finally done with this weird intervention that won't actually go anywhere.
“As long as Eli isn’t too affected by this. We’re okay.”
The Sheriff gives a defeated sigh.
***
Stiles anxiously taps his thumb against the steering wheel trying to focus on the traffic report on the radio. He glances at Eli from the corner of his eye but can’t bring himself to talk about last night. Stiles wonders if Eli was upset,hearing the argument he had with the Sheriff. He wonders if Eli pressed his ear against his bedroom door to hear more clearly.
Stiles looks at his watch, anxiety bubbling up in his chest as he makes the mental play by play of trying to fit a much needed conversation about last night into the next seven minutes. Seven minutes until he turns on market street and ends up across the street from his son's school.
He just goes for it, his brain barely matching up with the words tumbling out of his mouth. “Did you wanna talk about last night? I know that you were really upset.”
Eli’s face scrunches up as he tears his eyes away from his phone. “No, I’m not upset anymore.” Eli replies.
“Are you sure? You don’t have to pretend that you’re o-”
“Dad called this morning.” Eli pushes through Stiles’ speech.
“Oh.” Stiles mutters, turning his attention back to the road and lurching the car forward just until he gets to the intersection, stopped at a red light. “What did he say? What did you guys talk about?”
Eli shrugs.
It’s moments like these where Stiles misses when Eli was younger. Too young to really hide what he was feeling. Too young to care about the feelings of others, especially the adults around him. Stiles feels like shit only for the fact that he knows that the development coincided with the divorce.
“Dad will take me fishing the weekend before my birthday. Just me and him.” It’s said with such certainty. Like it’s a fact known to all of mankind, like the sky is blue or that pineapple definitely belongs on pizza.
Stiles hums, nodding his head in understanding. “Speaking of your birthday” Stiles begins,“I was only given the direction of it needing to be better than your friends.”
There's a hint of a smile tugging at Eli’s lips as he looks up again from his phone. “Yeah, better than laser tag.” Eli shifts in his seat just as the light finally turns red and Stiles is finally able to cross the intersection.
“Actually, I was thinking that we could invite the whole soccer team and also my friends from school.”
Stiles nods again, Elis continues his list of must haves for his party.
“It’s gotta be a nerf gun party in a big field so that way we can have teams and go against each other. There should be like huge hay bails and piles of junk to hide behind like we're really in war to fight each other. And an ice cream bar , snacks and lots of pizza - cheese only obviously.”
“You can’t only have cheese, Eli.” Stiles remarks.
Eli takes a second to think about the dilemma of only having one kind of pizza topping at a party with a minimum of twenty kids. “ Okay okay, we can have pepperoni too.” Eli relents, waving a hand in Stiles’ general direction.
Stiles snorts, because yeah, that’s definitely his kid.
When Stiles finally reaches the opposite side of Eli’s school, Eli jumps out with a half hearted goodbye. Stiles decides to not take it too personally and instead focus on not being late to work, again.
He attributes his success on that mission by already being in his scrubs when he clocks in so by the time he’s pocketing gloves in the exam room it’s eight o’ clock. He’s setting up the exam room for an early morning surgery when Theo walks into the room.
Stile sucks in a breath and tries to not look like he’s freaking out. Stiles spent most of the week after their little romp pretty much avoiding him. It wasn't on purpose, at least not at first but then Stiles would remember being face down in Theo’s bed and cumming uncontrollably and it was too much to think about while trying to do his job. So he spent the week dodging calls and text messages and even volunteering to work with the other Doctor’s through the week to limit any interaction.
Theo enters the room, holding a chart of the next four legged patient. He doesn't hold back, not even giving Stiles a chance to think before he’s stalking towards him.
“You haven't called or texted me back.”
It’s said matter of factly. Well, because Stiles never called or texted Theo back, like at all.
“And you avoiding me is pretty confusing as well.” Theo adds on.
Stiles scoffs. “I'm not avoiding you.”
Theo raises an eyebrow, challenging that sentiment because even Stiles can see the bullshit coming out of his mouth. Stiles rolls his eyes with a heavy sigh because it’s not even an hour into his shift and being accosted like this is not what he had in mind when he woke up this morning. “Look, we had fun.” Stiles feels a sort of deja vu. When did he last have this conversation with Theo? “I don’t think it’s a good idea to continue to sleep with each other, especially since we work together.”
Theo hums, feigning to understand what Stiles is saying. “Yeah, and you’ll probably say it again after I get you in my bed.” Theo’s being cocky, if the smile is anything to go off of. That smug smile plaguing his face as he dodges Stiles’ attempt at ending their two times sexual escapades.
Stiles argues back, “We’re not sleeping together again. I mean it.”
“Right.” Theo says, smugness still intact.
“I mean it.”
“So do I. Let's have lunch together.” Theo continues.
It throws Stiles off, practically giving him whiplash at the speed of topic change. “ What?”
Theo huffs out a laugh. “Lunch.
You.” He points to Stiles.
“Me.” He points to himself.
“Together.”
Stiles is less than impressed. He folds his arms over his chest and glances at the clock on the wall just above Theo’s head. He could wait out the two minutes until their furry patient is escorted into the exam room and avoid answering all together. Instead, he sighs and quickly gives a nod in agreement.
The giant smile that Theo gives is only a little bit cute.
***
Lunch isn’t amazing. Given the fact that they only have an hour, it takes Stiles twelve minutes to clock out, grab his wallet and tell Scott that he’s eating with Theo instead of his best friend before he’s finally meeting the older man in the parking lot. Theo holds up his watch to his face and dramatically pouts. “I only have forty eight minutes to convince you to sleep with me again.”
Stiles laughs dryly, “Thirty, if we don’t count the time where I block out everything while I eat my food.”
They settle on getting sandwiches, deciding to eat them in the parking lot of the clinic. Stiles grimaces when he sees a pickle spear nudged on the side of his sandwich. He holds it up in the air with a sour face and plops it down on top of Theo’s own sandwich. Theo looks at the pickle,then up at him puzzled.
“Not a fan of pickles?” He asks, amused.
Stiles’ aversion to pickles is rather personal. “Grandma used to send us her homemade pickles when I was a kid.”
Theo hums along, taking a sizable bite of his own pickle, waiting for Stiles to continue.
“One night I decided to eat an entire jar by myself.”
Theo shrugs his shoulders as to say so what.
“Including drinking all of the brine.” He adds. “I threw up all over the kitchen floor, even some of it came out of my nose.”
Theo snorts, almost choking on his food. He gives a hearty laugh before slapping a hand to his mouth, trying to smother the absolute fit he’s having. Stiles is less than amused, and takes another bite of his own food while giving Theo the side eye.
Theo wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, “I can see you crying over that to your parents.” He chuckles.
Stiles flushes, because yeah, he totally cried to his mom about eating an entire jar of pickles - brine included, and then vomiting it all up again.
“I thought you were supposed to use this lunch to woo me, not laugh at the misfortunes of me as a child.”
Theo laughs again, “I was waiting for you to finish your food before I really got down to business.” He stares into Stiles’ eyes, not wavering and Stiles feels hot all over. Those same eyes that encouraged him to be as loud as he wanted, the eyes that watched him cum all over his stomach over and over again. Suddenly, it's too much, Stiles tears his eyes away, biting down into his food to avoid looking at the man.
Stiles doesn’t know how Theo manages to do it. Make him laugh one second and then feel like he’s going to melt from the eye contact alone. It’s not hard to see what goes on in Theo's head. Their nights together and even their mornings. Stiles would be lying if he didn’t think of them also, but in his defense he doesn't plan on letting it happen again, so what’s the harm in using it as his own personal spank bank.
When Stiles’ phone buzzes in his pants pocket, he practically jumps in his seat. With a huff he puts down half of his eaten sandwich and fishes the phone out of his scrub pocket. He can't help but to roll his eyes when he sees that it’s a text message from his dad.
Father of mine: 12:49 pm: Just wanted to reach out again on behalf of Maryanne. She really wants to see you at the wedding and Jordan is still available if you need a plus one.
Stiles groans, tossing his phone to the dashboard in annoyance.
“This again.” he mutters under his breath.
Theo scrunches his brows together. “What's wrong?”
Stiles shakes his head, not wanting to get into this with yet another person. He’s practically talked about this wedding and his avoidance of it with every person he’s ever met at this point and just about as many times with his dad.
“Nothing, it’s nothing really.” He adds, waving his hand and going in for his sandwich again.
Theo doesn't look convinced. “It’s nothing yet you had that sort of reaction?”
Stiles sighs, he knows he’s not going to be able to bulldoze through this conversation. He gestures to his phone, “There’s a wedding coming up this Sunday for a family friend and my dad wants me to go, with one of his deputies.” Theo immediately grasps the situation as he hums and haws.
“And you don’t want to give this deputy a chance?” Theo asks.
“He’s..” Stiles is at a loss for words while he thinks of how to truly describe Jordan Parish.
“Jordan is a puppy.” He professes.
“Hmm.. so his name is Jordan.”
Stiles snorts, an exacerbated smile on his face because of course Theo would latch at the name of a potential man with interests toward him.
“Jordan is a man who I am not interested in but my dad would love to see me date. Therefore, I will not be attending the wedding.”
“I could go with you.” Theo responds. He says it so calmly and nonchalantly that he might as well have said that the sky was blue or that the world goes round.
It takes Stiles a full minute to comprehend what Theo had said. He hears it, naturally as anyone else would as he takes another bite of his dwindling sandwich. However, it doesn’t settle in the groves of his brain until he’s fully chewed and swallowed, followed by a long swig of his pepsi for him to grasp what was said.
“I-I wait…..you want to go with me to my friend's wedding? As a plus one?” Stiles asks. “My plus one?” He continues.
Theo shrugs his shoulders. “Why not? You don’t want to go with the guy your dad wants you to. So why not me?”
“I mean, we’re ..” he trails off, not sure how to describe what they are. Fuckbuddies, friends with benefits, colleagues that have seen each other naked. He’s not so sure on how to spin it, spin them. What if someone were to ask what Theo was to him? He can’t very well admit that they met at a club and then screwed each other's brains out an hour later.
“We’re friends.” Theo says. “And if you let me, I'll be your plus one to this wedding. This way, you can keep your dad at bay about dating and keep this Jordan guy even further.”
Stiles thinks about it. It does sound promising, finally getting his dad off his back about dating and not having to deal with Jordan trying and failing to ask him out whenever they are in vicinity of each other.
“Hmm.” Stiles weighs the options some more. He could just not go, instead hanging with Eli and getting some well needed rest. He could give in to his dad and go with Jordan while trying to find the right way to gently let him down, or go with Theo and have a hot guy on his arm who squashes any nagging from his dad about romantic prospects for at least a few months.
“You have to wear a suit.”
Theo smirks, “I’ll have you know, that I look rather good in a suit.”
Stiles can only imagine.
“This Sunday?” Theo asks.
“This Sunday,” Stiles affirms.
***
Stiles never really liked weddings. Granted, he had only been to three, one of those being his own but in his defense the wedding was very lowkey and low maintenance. But this wedding is not lowkey or low maintenance. Theo lets out a low whistle when they get to the ceremony hall, taking in the sight of the sheer amount of flowers filling up the entire space.
They don't spend too much longer gawking at the decorations before Stiles’ name is called from across the room. Stiles whips his head around to see his father and Melissa making their way to where they are. Stiles suddenly gets nervous, he knew that he would have to introduce Theo to his father but hoped that there would be a workup to it.
“Stiles,” The Sheriff greets. “I’m glad you decided to change your mind and come.” The Sheriff slows down in front of Stiles, eying Theo suspiciously. “And you brought someone.” He adds cautiously.
Stiles rubs at the back of his neck. “Yeah, I had a change of heart last minute.”
His dad hums, not taking his eyes off of Theo, practically having a staring contest. Anyone else would be intimidated - hell Stiles is often intimidated by him and he’s known him since birth. However, Theo doesn't waver, instead he sticks his hand out, offering an easy smile.
“Theo Raken. Pleasure to meet you, Sheriff. Stiles has told me a lot about you.”
The Sheriff takes a drawn out second to look at the hand out reached to him before he decides to accept the handshake.
“Uh huh, and how do you know my son?” It’s rude, anyone with half a brain and an understanding of normal interactions would know that his father was being rude. Nonetheless, Theo takes it.
“We're coworkers, actually.”
“Well Theo, Stiles hasn't told me anything about you.” The Sheriff says bluntly.
Stiles palms his face while Melissa slaps at his chest trying to reel him in. The Sheriff sets his eyes on Stiles, basically dismissing Theo without verbalizing so. “Stiles,” The Sheriff nods his head in the direction of a quiet corner. “Can I talk to you for a moment, alone?”
Stiles sighs because there is no getting out of this. He nods his head and offers Theo an apologetic smile before he walks with his dad to said quiet corner.
His dad thumbs back behind him, “Who the fuck is that?!”
“A friend, like he said.” Stiles mutters, veering off to look at Theo being his usual charming self with Melissa.
The Sheriff snaps his fingers, getting Stiles’ attention.
“That man is not your friend. A man that looks like that, is not your friend.” The Sheriff practically sneers.
“I can't have friends?” Stiles asks defiantly.
“I was born at night, but not last night! Not friends that look like that. Men that look the way he does, do not want to be your friend.”
Stiles throws his hands up in the air. He can’t believe that they’re actually arguing about this with the ceremony set so soon. “I thought you wanted me to start dating?”
“So now you’re dating him? What happened to him just being your friend and coworker?”
He thinks about just walking away. The conversation veering towards a never ending circle that doesn't solve or answer anything. Stiles knows that his dad isn’t upset about the prospects of Stiles dating, he’s just been caught off guard after Stiles vehemently rejected Jordan’s advances. So the sight of a man that he does not know, coming as his plus one and trying to pass as nothing more than friends is pretty fucking patronizing.
The Sheriff pinches the bridge of his nose then glances at his watch on his left wrist. “We should get seated, the ceremony will start in ten minutes.”
Stiles nods, following the sheriff back to where Melissa and Theo were, conversation also coming to an end. They follow each other down an empty aisle of seats and sit down next to each other, the room quieting down as the other guests find their own seats.
Maybe it was the fact that the room was clearing, or maybe that Stiles wasn't paying attention to the other occupants in the ceremony hall, but the visceral feeling to vomit when Stiles sees him is almost immediate.
Derek.
Derek there, on the other side of the room sitting in an identical chair to the one that Stiles is currently sat in, practically stuns him. He’s motionless as he’s trying to wrack his brain as to why Derek would be here. Stiles thinks back to when telling Derek about how he would drop off Eli with him this weekend, only for Derek to suggest Laura instead. A cold sweat rolls down his back and he can’t seem to hear anything else other than the blood rushing in his head. His breathing haggard as he remembers that he’s with Theo and if Derek turns his head just a smidge, then he’ll too see Stiles.
Stiles prays to any god that would listen to strike the wedding down, causing chaos and mayhem so he doesn't have to deal with his right now.
The gods must hate him because Derek does in fact turn his head just right and meet eyes with Stiles. He can see the confusion on his face, wondering why Stiles is here, wondering if he forgot Stiles telling him that he would in fact be at the same wedding. Doesn't really matter though, because here he is anyway.
Derek stands up from his seat, probably getting ready to say various excuses to the other guests sitting down as he tries to make his way over. He doesn't get that far, not even close. He doesn't even get to move from his own seat before music starts to play. A stunned hush falling over the guests and then Derek is just there, the odd man out standing in his row obstructing other patrons from seeing the priest make his way to the altar. He finally takes his seat, twisting his head to meet eyes with Stiles again, scrunching up his face and mouthing something. It’s too complex and all Stiles can gather is the fact that Derek is confused.
Their little game of mouth charades only lasted as long as it took for the groom to make his way down the aisle with his parents on either side of him to get to the altar and wait for his bride. Then the music changes, a slower paced piano version of going to the chapel plays as the bridesmaid and groomsmen follow the same path, then finally Maryanne.
***
Stiles wonders if his day could get worse. He probably shouldn't ask that because the answer is always yes. When the ceremony finishes, and the guests are ushered out into the hall and towards the reception room, Stiles thinks that it’s his chance to make a break for it. Just grab Theo and escape to the parking lot and avoid any confrontation with Theo and Derek.
Instead, Stiles belines for the champagne tower by the cake because if he’s going to face Derek, he sure as hell won't do it sober.
He downs one flute at the table, not stopping to think about how it may look because all he can think about is the inevitable with Derek. It’s when he gets to finish his second that Derek spots him from across the room and takes long strides to reach him.
“This was your prior engagement?” Derek asks.
Stiles swallows his last sip, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before saying anything.
“How was I supposed to know you were going to be here? If I knew I wouldn't have br-”
He stops himself, not able to finish his sentence because he sees Theo in real time scan the floor, spot Stiles and he too makes his way over. Stiles wants to die, like at the very moment he wills his heart to stop beating because even though he knew this would happen, Stiles hoped he’d be drunk enough to find the whole thing absolutely funny.
This is not funny.
Theo sides up next to him, plastering that charming smile he knows. “Found our table,” he thumbs back behind himself. “Looks like we’re sitting with your dad and Melissa.”
Stiles nods stiffly, before taking yet another flute, sucking down huge gulps. Theo decides that it’s his cue to turn up the asshole meter and feign surprise when faced with Derek.
“Oh I'm sorry man, didn't see you there.” He holds out a hand, “Theo Raken.”
Derek scoffs, glancing at the hand hovering between them before just ignoring it all together. Stiles can see this going even more sideways, two alphas sizing each other up over complete bullshit. Stiles tries to step in, stomping out any thoughts Derek might have about the two of them. Stiles clears his throat, “Theo is my -” “Friend.” Theo interrupts, still sporting that smug look.
“Right.” Derek doesn't look impressed, can’t even seem to take his eyes off Theo. “Where’s Kate?” Stiles asks. He’s not curious, far from it actually. However, considering that they are at a wedding, Derek coming alone would be pretty fucking off.
Derek shrugs. Those green eyes piercing his just for a moment to acknowledge him before they are back on Theo. “At home.”
Stiles nods, trying to think of anything else to say to keep things calm. Stiles has had enough of this whole encounter and tugs at Theo’s arm. “Let's go sit down, Maryanne will be finished with taking photos soon.”
Theo hums, letting himself be pulled along. They make it only a few feet away until Theo stops , turning on his heel back to Derek. He snaps his fingers in faux realization, a real light bulb moment going off. “You’re the ex husband.” He gives Derek another smug smile before Stiles is able to pull him away again.
“Jesus Christ." Stiles mumbles under his breath. They make it back to the table, only their seats left unoccupied and his dad, Melissa and another older couple converse. Melissa shoots him a concerned look. “How did that go?” She asks. “As well as it could go. On the bright side, no blood was shed.”
“Yet.” The Sheriff chimes in behind a glass of champagne. He receives a light hit on his arm from Melissa before he rolls his eyes and apologizes.
It’s not long before Maryanne and her husband enter the reception and the party starts. They have their first dance together as man and wife. Maybe it’s the environment for the fact that he hadn’t been to a wedding in so long, but Stiles couldn't help but to think of his own wedding. It was small, nothing extravagant but just enough for them and their families. Their first dance together as a married couple was filled with laughter only because Stiles kept stepping on Derek’s toes.
Stiles quirks a corner of his lip at the memory , even letting out an amused huff.
“Whats so funny?” Theo leans down to whisper in his ear. Stiles jolts in surprise, immediately shaking his head. “N-nothing really.” Theo eyes him, not really believing him but letting it go anyway.
***
After the dances, one even amusingly choreographed, the servers come out with plates of food for every table. It’s standard wedding food. Chicken or steak, even a vegetarian option with all the sides. Stiles tries to load up on food so as to not to engage in any conversation with his dad regarding Theo.
His dad had other plans.
“So Theo, what do you do for a living?”
Stiles clears his throat, shooting a glare at his father that is completely ignored.
Theo answers anyway. “I’m a Veterinarian."
He pauses, glancing at Stiles before he continues. “In fact that is how Stiles and I met, at work.”
The Sheriff raises an eyebrow. “That true?” He asks, looking at Stiles.
“Ughh” Is all Stiles can manage before Theo speaks up again. “I actually only recently started at the same clinic a few weeks ago. I used to work in Sacramento for about ten years before I wanted a change of pace.
The Sheriff eyes Theo. “Any particular reason you left and came to Beacon Hills?”
Stiles can see the gears turning in his fathers head with each question. “Okay , okay. Let's change the subject to anything not involving Theo.” He announces, clasping his hand together.
He receives an unimpressed look from his father, but the Sheriff doesn't push.
***
The DJ changes to a slow jam, people around them partnering up to dance on the dance floor. There is a small gasp from Melissa when his dad stands up, holding his hand out to ask for a dance. She gladly takes it.
“You wanna dance?” Stiles jumps at Theo’s voice suddenly in his ear. He looks up to Theo standing in front of him. Stiles shakes his head furiously, resulting to cross his hands in front of his chest to make an ‘x’. “ I don't dance. I-I can’t dance, actually. I practically have two left feet. You really don’t want to dance with me cause I'll step on your feet and it’ll be a whole thing and-”
“I’ll take my chances.” Theo interrupts quickly, shooting Stiles a smooth smile. He’s not going to let him get away, Stiles knows it. He sighs, all deep and dramatic before letting Theo pull him from his seat and following him to the middle of the dance floor. Stiles thinks about turning on his heel and marching himself back to his table, leaving Theo alone on the dance floor. Instead, he throws his head back in faux annoyance and takes Theo’s hand allowing himself to be pulled in close and personal. They don't go far, just a few feet to the edge of the dance floor. Stiles slips his arms around Theo’s neck, face reddening. “I haven't done this in a very long time.” Stiles admits.
Theo lifts his shoulder in a half shrug. “All the more reason to do it.”
They dance slowly, swaying ever so slightly to evoke just enough movement to be considered dancing to the untrained eye. Stiles leans to rest his chin on Theo’s shoulder, taking in the moment and for once in the many hours that Stiles had been at this wedding, he felt relaxed.
Stiles looks around the ballroom, eyes glancing over to the DJ as he flips through a small booklet, sweat clinging to his brow as the harsh lights hit him. Then he glances at the Sheriff and Melissa dancing, looking into each other's eyes with a desire that Sties tries to ignore. Stiles spends time observing different guests and what they do and how they do it.
He’s startled by the vibration in Theo’s chest as the older man begins to speak, clearing his voice in the process. “So does this mean I get to see you naked tonight?" Stiles snaps his head up quickly, smothering a scandalized smirk. He flits his eyes around the dance floor, hoping that no one is sober enough to be interested in their conversation. Stiles bites his lip, taking the bait that Theo so kindly set out for him.
“Well that depends.”
“On?” Theo questions. He squeezes Stiles’ waist, flattening it against his own. The warmth spreading along his torso.
Stiles can't help but to flush. Even on a dance floor at the wedding of someone he doesn't know, Theo is a master at flirtation. It leaves Stiles’ stomach doing flips, heat curling down his spin and a desire he can't quite place.
“It depends on if you’ve been a good boy or not.”
Theo smiles.
He leans down to whisper into Stile’s ear.
“Have I been a good boy?”
Stiles starts to give his answer, thinking back to how he handled meeting the Sheriff and the not so warm welcome from Derek. Any other alpha would have taken offence to Stiles’ father being less than thrilled by his presence and even more so be offended by Derek's hostility. Stiles hums and haws, really trying to draw out his answer.
Before he’s able to give his answer, there’s a tap at his shoulder. Stiles turns to see the bride herself standing behind him with a grin. She clears her throat and looks to Theo as she pulls at Stiles’ wrist.
“Mind if I steal him?”
Theo raises his eyebrows, asking in a way himself.
Stiles nods.
“I’ll give you my answer after my dance with Maryanne.”
Theo thumbs back to the mostly deserted bar. “I’ll be waiting, with a drink.”
Stiles and Maryanne watch as Theo maneuvers his way through people who probably took too many glasses of the champagne tower. Theo just barely manages to get the bar when Maryanne gives Stiles a knowing smirk.
“Please tell me you’re fucking him. That man is too fine to not see naked.”
Stiles lets out a scandalized gasp. “Maryanne! We are literally at your wedding!”
She tilts her head back, letting out a loud cackle that garners so looks from some people around them. Maryanne lifts her hand to show Stiles her wedding ring, it’s really a fucking boulder mascarading as a ring as it sparkles under the dance floor strobe lights.
“I’m married Stiles, not fucking blind.”
She looks over her shoulder to Theo again.
“You’re screwing him, yes?” She asks.
Stiles sighs, shaking his head as he entertains her and the conversation. “Well we don’t play scrabble in my bedroom.”
Maryanne gives him a pleased smile as she takes his hands into her own. “Good, you deserve some fun.”
Stiles smiles back.
“You just so you know.” Stiles starts, getting Maryanne’s attention as he eyes wander over to Theo again. “He's not my boyfriend, just a friend- no, more of a coworker than anything.”
Maryanne holds her hands up in surrender. “I didn't say anything” She giggles. “ However, you’re the only person I know that can pull Alphas that look like Derek Hale and this one.” She says giving Theo one last linger before folding her arms over her chest.
“Speaking of Derek.” Stiles adds. “I know that you stayed friends after the divorcee but a heads up would have been nice.
She gives Stiles an apologetic look before taking his hands again. “Look, you guys are both of my friends. And in my defense I wasn't sure you would be coming anyway. I mean, the Sheriff told me how you didn't want to go with Jordan and I figured you wouldn't come at all.”
Stiles isn't mad at her, not really. He’s not even mad that Derek is there in the first place. Stiles really only feels the same feeling he gets whenever he’s around Derek.
Anxious.
***
They manage the rest of the wedding without any incident, Derek and Stiles taking metaphorical sides of the wedding. Stiles occupied the left side of the reception room with the champagne tower and the DJ, while Derek got the right side with the hour-divers and photo booth. They silently made the bar a neutral territory, only speaking politely to one another and not speaking of the Theo shaped elephant. Eventually, they make it to the send off portion of the wedding with everyone standing side by side as they hold sparklers as the married couple walk to their limo heading to their honeymoon.
As guests are beginning to leave, Stiles and Theo head back inside. The dance floor mostly deserted save for a few stragglers too drunk to notice the barren space and the people trying to take as many slices of cake as their hands can carry.
Stiles heads straight to their table where the Sheriff is draping his coat over Melissa's shoulders. He gives Stiles a tired smile. “I am glad you decided to come after all.” The Sheriff mutters softly, the long night weighting him down. “Even with meeting..” he trails off, eyes cautiously following Theo as he stands next to Stiles. “Your new friend.”
“We should get going.” Melissa interjects. “There’s going to be some traffic on the way back home.” The Sheriff sighs, nodding. Stiles knows that they are only tabling this conversation for another night and he’s not exactly looking forward to it. He gives Melissa a kiss on the cheek goodbye and gets a bear hug from his dad before he and Theo are the only two left at their table.
Grabbing his own jacket, Stiles turns to Theo. “I’m sorry. My dad can be a little protective when it -”
“It’s fine.” Theo cuts Stiles off.
“Your dad has every right to be wary of a man that he does not know with his son. Especially at a wedding.”
Stiles rubs at the back of his neck, awkwardly nodding along.
Theo takes a few small steps closer to Stiles until the heat from his body can just barely be felt. “So,” He starts. “You promised to give me your answer after your time with Maryanne.”
Stiles flushes. The sudden realization of his previous conversation with Theo and what it entailed.
“Was I good enough to spend the night with you?”
Stiles bites his lips, trying to hold back a smile. He knew that he wasn't going to deny Theo but teasing really did something for him. “I guess you’ll have to find you.” Stiles replies. Theo offers his hand, and Stiles takes it, allowing himself to be led out of the reception hall and out into the parking lot. Most of the cars are gone so they easily find Theo’s car tucked away shaded by a tall tree. Theo is the perfect gentleman and opens the passenger door for Stiles.
Theo stops Stiles from getting into the car, tugging at his arm as he leans in close for a kiss. Stiles meets his lips, the kiss slow and sensual savoring for what's to come later. Stiles offers a small smile to Theo trying to compose himself. Stiles can't help but to let his mind wander to their past encounters. The way that Theo would touch him just right, just enough to get Stiles wanting more. Their kiss is interrupted by a loud grunt.
It startles Stiles so much that he instinctively pushes Theo back, maybe harder than he expected to. Just a few feet back stands Derek, hands on his hips and a scowl on his face.
“Can we talk?” Derek growls.
Theo scoffs, “No, he doesn’t want to -” Stiles stops him, pressing a hand to his chest.
“It’s fine, I got this.” Stiles says.
Theo looks between Stiles and Derek before shaking his head slightly as he makes his way to the driver's side of the car. Stiles walks up to Derek, folding his arms over his chest.
“What do you want Derek?”
He’s annoyed, and horny and being cockblocked by his ex isn't exactly Stiles’ version of fun.
“He your boyfriend?” Derek spits out.
Stiles is slightly taken aback at how mad Derek seems. He doesn't say anything , just narrows his eyes as he studies Derek’s face.
“Are..are you guys fucking?” Derek says, his words slurring.
Stiles frowns. “You’re drunk Derek.” Stiles states. He folds his arms tighter and just observes as Derek slowly leans to his left before his brain to counteract the shift and he ends up almost stumbling over nothing.
Derek rights himself, standing straight as he tries to smooth out wrinkles in his shirt. “You didn't answer me.”
“That’s because it’s none of your fuckign business.” Stiles snaps. “It doesn't matter who I sleep with or if I have a boyfriend, we aren't together Derek.”
Derek doesn't respond, a severe frown on his face as he stews in silence. Stiles looks back over his shoulder to see Theo fully in the car with it running, waiting.
“Gimmie your phone.” Stiles says.
“What?” Derek asks, confused.
“Now!” Stiles shouts.
Derek grumbles something Stiles can't really make out but fishes his phone out of his pocket all the same. Stiles snatches it out of his hand and is surprised when he sees the screen savor. A picture of Eli when he was around three years old sitting in Stiles’ lap as they both smile at the camera. He pushes past the shock and goes into the Uber app, typing in the address of the venue and then typing in Derek's house. He hesitates, before deleting it and typing in Laura's house instead , hoping that she won't be too pissed off to be woken up to her younger brother drunk on her doorstep. Stiles completes the transaction and shoves the phone into Derek's chest.
“Don’t do anything stupid and just wait for the Uber. Okay?”
Derek nods slowly, the words probably taking longer to process in his mind. Stiles sighs, allowing himself to take a few steps backwards before fully turning around and getting into Theo’s car.
They drive off leaving Derek standing in the middle of the parking lot, Stiles watching him in the mirror until he can no longer do so. Theo doesn't say anything as he drives onto the freeway, just turns on the radio and seemingly ignores the last few minutes.
They make it a total of seven minutes before Theo speaks up.
“He couldn't get an Uber by himself?”
Stiles knits his eyebrows together, puzzled. “Sorry?” He questions.
Theo sighs, squeezing the steering wheel as he trains his eyes on the road, not daring to look at Stiles.
“He’s a grown man. He couldn’t get home without your help?”
“Should I have left him to possibly drive home drunk?” Stiles answers with a question.
He’s defensive, but anyone would be.
Right?
***
Stiles rarely gets to have mondays off, so he plans to make the most of it, especially kid free. He reaches for his phone, turning off his second alarm before it goes off. Theo shifts in his sleep next to Stiles until he's in a prone position and his naked body is no longer covered by the blanket. Stiles doesn't even think before he opens up his camera app and snaps a few sneaky pictures of Theo. He tells himself that he’ll delete them once they stop sleeping together , that it’ll only be a matter of time before he grows tired of the man.
“Are you done?” Theo questions before yawning, startling Stiles.
“Huh?” Stiles plays dumb.
Theo peaks open one eye. “You finished taking your pics? Or do you want some of my cock as well for your portfolio?” He’s amused, which only adds to Stiles’ embarrassment.
“I was only taking a few.” Stiles admits, trying to hide behind his hands.
He’s met with a cheeky grin and Theo lifts himself up and sits back on his knees. He stretches his arms over his head and Stiles enjoys the view of Theo's toned body.
“You can take a few more.”
Stiles begins to protest but Theo takes his phone from his hand and takes pictures of himself. Some of his toned abs, other of his face and just a few with his cock in the frame just like he promised. Wordlessly, he finishes, tossing the phone back to stiles and hops off the bed.
“How about we take a shower together and then make some breakfast.”
Stiles doesn't protest.
He crawls off the bed, putting his phone back on the charger and following Theo into his bathroom. Theo steps into the shower and turns on the water, adjusting the temperature as the water hits his chest.
Stiles steps in the shower and there's a bit of awkward maneuvering before Stiles feels the warm water on the body.
Theo takes Stiles’ chin in his hand, lifting it until they are looking each other in the eyes. He leans down to give a kiss. It's just a simple peck at first. Just one, then a second , then a third and then they are full blown making out. Stiles sucks on Theo’s tongue, moaning into the kiss as Theo palms Stiles back, moving them slowly down until they squeeze Stiles’ ass.
They spend a good thirty minutes in the shower until they can't cum any more. Stiles fishes out a towel while planting kisses along Theo’s jaw line. He finally manages to grab one from the closest just as his phone vibrates. Stiles pads across his room to his night stand and snatches his phone up reading the caller ID as Eli’s school.
Panic sets in immediately.
Stiles answers the phone. “Hello?”
“Hello, is this Stiles Stilinski?”
“Yes, this is him.” Stiles confirms.
“Good afternoon Mr. Stilinski, this is Principle Hewitt. I’m calling because your son Eli got into a fight today at school.”
“I-Is he okay?” Stiles asks, frantically trying to dry off, look for boxers and fend off Theo's questioning eyes.
“It would be better if you came down to the school to talk in person.”
“Okay I’ll be there-.” Stiles attempts to get out.
“With his father.” Principal Hewitt adds quickly.