Chapter Text
Stiles breathed out a sigh of relief when Scott began healing. He looked at his best friend, his brother, with a victorious smile. It was over.
He'd have to have a serious talk with him later about getting together with Malia, his ex and first, without caring to even shoot him a text about it. However, right now he had another serious matter to attend to. Stiles gave them all one last smile before turning away and rushing out the door. He had to find Derek.
Stiles rushed through the halls, eyes scanning down every hall. He made one final turn and saw him. Stiles broke out into a large grin and rushed over.
Derek looked like he was brushing off some smaller bits of stone. His eyebrow raised when he heard the sudden footsteps and turned just in time to brace for Stiles crashing into him. Derek smiled and wrapped his arms around him.
"Are you ok? What happened? You got turned to stone? Oh my god Derek there was like one rule; don't open your eyes. You're ok though? You look okay. Why are you laughing?" Stiles searched him for injuries and Derek huffed out a small laugh.
"Stiles, I'm fine. Are you ok?" Derek pulled him close again and looked down into Stiles' warm brown eyes. Stiles melted into his arms a bit.
"I'm fantastic. Did you hear what I did? I trapped it! I burst in with the mountain ash and BOOM! Trapped!" Stiles beamed proudly. Derek smiled and placed his hand on Stiles' cheek.
"That's amazing. You're amazing," Derek looked at him fondly. Stiles' face softened with the praise. He quickly closed the distance and pressed his lips to Derek's. Stiles slipped his hands into Derek's hair and smiled against his lips.
Stiles leaned against him and relaxed for a moment. They hadn't been back long, but Beacon Hills always had a talent of being utterly exhausting. He perked up and met Derek's eye again.
"Oh wait, I almost forgot! Jackson's new relationship! Did you know it was with Ethan? Like, former-alpha-twin-Ethan. They met in London! How crazy is that? Also apparently Jackson's bi, which very low on the list of shocking things today honestly. Did you know he still had a tail? That's so weird. Also, Scott and Malia are apparently together or something? I'm not really a 'bro code' kinda guy, but I feel like a heads up would have been nice. I mean, they didn't even tell me the town was a friggin' war zone, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Also, I heard that Theo is back and like part of the pack now as a trial thing and, can I just say that's a terrible idea, Scott is too nice for his own good sometimes. I guess he's been spending the most time with Liam lately after Hayden left, and maybe helping Theo will be mutually beneficial for them. Also, did you know Chris and Melissa-"
"Stiles, take a breath," Derek interjected and let out a soft sigh, looking at him affectionately. Stiles abandoned his rambling in favor of wrapping his arms around Derek's neck and pulling him into a quick kiss.
"Ok, we should get back to the others," Stiles mumbled, staying pressed against him. Derek leaned in and gently placed his forehead against Stiles'.
"Scott's probably trying to gather everyone right about now. Take stock. Debrief," Derek sighs, running his hands over the fabric on Stiles' back. Stiles nodded, closing his eyes constantly.
"Yup. Get everyone up to speed on what's gone down," Stiles mindlessly said while leaning into Derek's touch. Derek tilted Stiles' chin up, pressing a firm kiss to his lips. He gripped Stiles' hips, then used the hold to separate the two of them. Stiles whined and frowned at him, his face still flushed from the contact.
"It's time to go," Derek smiled and tugged him along to rejoin the group.
"Fine fine... but we're continuing later," Stiles jabbed him with his elbow.
They got back to the library, where everyone seemed to already gather. Jackson and Ethan were leaning into each other. Peter stood off to the side, arms crossed, like he was avoiding being associated with them. Lydia sounded like she was on the phone with the others at the hospital. Scott was wearing that goofy, crooked grin as him and Malia held hands. Stiles and Derek crossed the room over to them. Scott looked up, his nose scrunching up for a second.
"You two seriously need like five showers after that road trip. You reek of each other," Scott chuckled and shook his head. Derek pressed his lips together in a thin line and looked away. Stiles forced down the grin that was trying to force its way out. He stiffly nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. Lydia narrowed her eyes and looked between the two of them for a moment before returning her attention to her call.
"So, it's over right? We killed the thing making everyone crazy?" Malia looked over to the crumbling stone creature across the room with unease.
"Monroe took off, but Gerard is... he's no longer going to be a problem," Peter spoke up, giving a smug smirk. Scott gave a disapproving look, but he didn't ask for any elaboration. Everyone just gave a final silent nod.
"She'll be a problem, but bother we can't handle," Derek broke the silence. Stiles smiled over to him.
Scott looked determined and ready to take off on another heroic endeavor. Stiles just sighed, hoping that they'd have a break before anything else started picking up again.
"We'll make Beacon Hills a place where humans and the supernatural feel safe with each other; a true Beacon of hope. We'll protect them from the hunters she'll get along the way. Our pack will be ready," Scott's speak was a bit on the nose for Stiles' taste, but he gave a supportive nod.
"Sounds great McCall, but how about we get showers and something to eat for now," Jackson rolled his eyes, and Ethan just nudged him with his shoulder and gave a warning look. Stiles wanted to support his friend, but Jackson was making a great point; something he'd never admit aloud.
"We can regroup at the loft. Everyone can relax and decompress after everything," Derek offered. Stiles shot him a surprised look. Stiles thought he must of underestimated how much Derek missed the pack. Scott just beamed and agreed.
—
"I can't believe you offered to have everyone over. That's more people than I think you can handle at once. Do you even know what you're signing up for?" Stiles was balancing his phone between his ear and his shoulder as he changed.
"I can be around people. I'm- well, I can be nice," Derek defended on the other end of the call. Stiles scoffed.
"I'll be there soon ok? Hopefully I'll have enough time before anyone else shows up to make that place look like somewhere a person lives," Stiles shoved his shoes on and grabbed his keys.
"It's better than when you were here last time," Derek insisted. Stiles paused, listening for the elaboration. "I got a couch." Stiles pulled the phone away from him and covered his mouth. Sometimes Derek was just so damn... cute.
"I bet it's great. Still, I'll be there soon," Stiles returned the phone to his ear, his tone much softer now.
"Ok. I'll see you soon. Drive safe," Derek said simply. Stiles bites his lip, smiling widely.
"I will," he hangs up and heads downstairs, skipping every other step. He caught his dad in the corner of his eye. Quickly turning on his heals, Stiles crossed the room over to him. Noah looked surprised for a moment before giving him a big hug.
"Hey, kiddo," he gave him a pat on the shoulder and looked him over. "You ok? The drive was not too bad I hope? Sorry things have been so hectic, I haven't even seen ya." Stiles shook his head and gave a dismissive wave.
"Ya I'm good. Are you ok? I heard how bad things got at the station. Ya the drive was good. Derek was... surprisingly good company," Stiles smiled a little.
"I'm alright. Had to put a few of the guys in their place and save Parrish's ass, but things cleared up pretty quickly once that freaky thing was done," Noah looked proud. Stiles nodded in approval.
"Sometimes they gotta learn the hard way. I'm headed over to the loft to have some celebratory pack time," Stiles points to the door, starting to back away in that direction. Noah nods.
"Sounds good. Catch up with everyone. Have a good time. I have a lot of work to get started on, so I'll be running around town the next few days. Call me if you need anything," Noah offers.
"Don't work too hard!" Stiles calls out as he heads out to his jeep. He pulls himself into the driver's seat. The worn leather feelings uncomfortably familiar so soon after the long trip. He makes the short drive to Derek's loft and gets in the elevator.
Stiles shifts his weight side-to-side as he waiting for the ding. The doors slide apart slowly and he's slipped out into the loft before they've even fully opened. The loft does look a bit homier than last time. There was indeed a new couch, but there was also a couple rugs and the kitchen actually looked usable. Stiles spotted a few grocery bags on the counter, and he wandered over. Derek was sorting through it all, eyebrows knit together in focus. Stiles smirked.
"Wow, did you go shopping? You're really trying. That's so adorable," Stiles leaned against the counter and grinned up at him. Derek shot him a look, but his expression softened when he actually met his eyes.
"I know I haven't always made this place very... welcoming," Derek admitted carefully.
"That's alright. I know it took time getting used to each other for everyone. Don't worry though. Everyone will just be happy to be together. Also, apparently we'll have snacks," Stiles gestured at the array of things Derek bought. Derek looked at it all sheepishly.
"Too far?" he asked with a bit of embarrassment. Stiles leaned closer to him, pulling him over.
"Nah, it's cute," Derek raised his brow, but Stiles just kissed him deeply. Derek grabbed Stiles' face gently. Stiles broke the kiss with a smile.
"I don't think anyone's really described me as cute," Derek laughed softly. Stiles kissed his cheek before he began unloading the rest of the bags.
"Sounds like I have a campaign to run then. Derek Hale is Cute as Hell and Everyone Needs to be Aware of it," Stiles says matter-of-factly. The elevator dings and the two look over.
"Hey Derek, how long have you and- oh hello Stiles. Perfect timing. How long have you two been a thing?" Lydia gave them a pointed look. Stiles' eyebrows shot up. He glanced over at Derek, who seemed to have the same idea. They stared at each other for a moment before Derek gave a small shrug, and Stiles nodded.
"The trip here was, illuminating," Stiles explained simply. Lydia nodded in understanding.
"Well, it took you too long enough. But Hale, be nice to him. He's my favorite," Lydia gave him a warning look. Stiles covered his mouth to hide his amused grin. Derek let out a small laugh.
"Considering our track records, he's much more likely to try to kill me in this situation. He's walked away from two amicable break ups, both of which remain as close friends. My last two ended in mass murder. Stiles, planning on committing any atrocities?" Derek glanced over to him with a raised brow. Stiles pretended to think for a moment.
"Hm. Ya know, it's not currently on my schedule. College just has me so busy," Stiles flashes a smile. Lydia rolls her eyes.
"Ok, I get it, you're already adorable and have banter. If any more of my ex's move on to men, I'm going to start questioning my life choices," she sighed and took a seat at the counter.
—
Soon, the other started to show up. Stiles could see the tension growing in Derek's shoulders. Those broad, strong shoulders... god I could just- get it together Stilinski. Not the time.
Scott and Malia got there first, after Lydia of course. Scott smiled and complimented Derek's new couch. Why did Stiles align himself with such simple men?
Next was a larger group. Liam, Theo, Corey, and Mason all piled in off the elevator. With so many new faces crowding his space, Stiles gave Derek's arm a reassuring squeeze. The man relaxed from the small touch, giving Stiles an appreciative smile.
Jackson and Ethan showed up last, fashionably late. Stiles rolled his eyes. Those assholes are made for each other.
The younger teens wasted no time before digging into the snacks. Stiles watched Liam and Theo bicker and shove each other every couple minutes. The two of them were much closer than he remembered from last year. He still didn't trust Theo, but he'd keep that to himself for the pack's sake. Tonight was for celebrating. Corey and Mason were being as disgustingly affectionate as Stiles remembered Scott and Allison were so long ago. Speaking of Scott, Stiles watched in amusement as Scott repeatedly tried and failed to put an arm on or around Malia. Stiles could already tell she'd be the perfect match to calm Scott's overly affectionate nature.
Stiles found Derek hovering near the kitchen, staying away from the majority of the crowd. He crossed the room and turned into the kitchen, hopping up to sit on the counter. Derek gave a disapproving look, but Stiles brushed it off.
"Whatcha doin in here?" Stiles asked, but they both knew he already had the answer. Derek leaned on the counter beside him.
"I don't know how to do this. This pack... it's so different from everything I've ever known," Derek sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. Stiles reached over and played with the dark strands.
"I know. It'll take some time to adjust," Stiles gently combed his fingers through his black hair. Derek leaned slightly into his touch. Stiles smiled and closed the distance between them, pressing a light kiss to Derek's lips. Derek gripped his waist and deepened the kiss.
"Jeez you two. You were stuck with each other for three days, and you're still acting like this?" Lydia stepped in the kitchen, heels clicking sharply. Stiles groaned as Derek pulled away from him. She got herself a glass of water and rolled her eyes.
"Lyds, have you seen him? How am I supposed to stay away from that?" Stiles scoffed and glanced over at Derek, who was looking very red. Stiles smiled, but it quickly turned to confusion as he saw Derek shake his head.
"Oh Stiles..." Derek mumbled and covered his face. Stiles heard quick foot steps approaching, and it finally clicked; super hearing. His eyes widened as Scott burst in, almost slamming into Lydia.
"What? Stiles are you and Derek together?" Scott stared at the two of them. Malia casually followed him inside a moment later. She gestured between them.
"You and Derek? Isn't he like, my cousin technically? Isn't that weird?" Malia raised a brow. Stiles cringed.
"Isn't he like, my best friend?" Stiles gestured at Scott, who looked a little guilty. Malia nodded.
"You got me there," she said dismissively. Scott was still glancing between them in bewilderment. Stiles rolled his eyes.
"Dude, calm down," Stiles just stared at him blankly. Scott nodded absentmindedly.
"Ya, sorry. Sorry man. I just, wasn't expecting that," Scott looks between them.
"Really? It really doesn't seem that shocking?" Lydia spoke up.
"Stilinski always had a thing for Derek! I'm just surprised Derek's standards are that low," Jackson shouted from outside the kitchen. Stiles just pressed his face into his palms. Derek glared towards the doorway.
"Shut up, Jackson," Derek said flatly. Stiles smiled a little behind his hands.
"Well, hey, that's cool. You two and all. I'm happy for you guys," Scott shifted to overly supportive, and Stiles was done with everyone. He pushed himself off the counter.
"Ok, when everyone's done being weird, I'll be in the living room," Stiles walked out and he heard Scott start asking Derek questions. He winced, maybe I shouldn't have left him to be interrogated?
Stiles fell back against the couch with a heavy thump. He heard someone sit beside him and turned to see Theo. Stiles frowned.
"Ya that's about the reaction I expected. I actually wanted to say that I'm sorry. For everything," Theo said sincerely. Stiles gave him a blank look. There was an uncomfortable silence, and Theo opened his mouth to speak again. Stiles interrupted him.
"You killed my best friend, and you tried to kill the rest of us at least once. You're sorry? Theo I'm finding it hard to understand why you aren't in a cell. Or better yet, why you aren't still stuck with your sister," Stiles bit out harshly. Theo nodded and pressed his lips together.
"Got it. Well, that's valid," Theo claps his hands to his thighs and pushes himself off the couch. "Good to see ya again, Stiles," he waves back as he walks away to join Liam, Corey, and Mason again.
"Rot in hell, Raeken," Stiles calls back cheerfully. He sighs and slumps into the couch more.
"I can't believe you left me in there with them," Derek rounds the couch and sits beside him. Stiles grins.
"I just had to get a good look at this amazing new couch," he says in a teasing tone, leaning into him a little. Derek rolls his eyes.
"I heard your conversation with Theo," Derek mentions, looking him over.
"Think I was too harsh?" Stiles raises a brow.
"No, that seemed right from what I've heard," Derek shrugs. Stiles breaks out in a smile.
—
The pack stayed for a few hours, catching up with each other and enjoying the company without the threat of death. Eventually, everyone started to head their separate ways. Once Scott and Malia finally left, Stiles looked over at the very exhausted man on the couch. He crossed the room and leaned over his back, wrapping his arms around Derek and draping them on his chest. Stiles pressed his nose into the dip of Derek's neck, giving it a light kiss.
"How are you feeling?" Stiles mumbled against his skin. Derek relaxed against him, tilting his head slightly.
"Tired. Good. Glad to see everyone. Glad they're gone," Derek's tired voice brought a smile to Stiles' lips. "Are you staying?"
"Do you want me to?" Stiles pressed against kiss to his neck. Derek hummed softly.
"Yes," Derek said firmly. He rose up off the couch, separating them briefly before rounding the furniture and pulling him close. Stiles wrapped his arms around Derek's neck, kissing along his jawline.
"Then I'm staying," he mumbled as he pressed kisses all over his face and neck. Derek caught his lips in a firm kiss and roped his grip around Stiles' waist. Stiles smiled against his lips.
"Good," Derek said into the kiss, slipping his hands under Stiles' shirt. He felt the warmth spread over his skin.
—
The sun came through the window like an assault on his senses. Stiles groaned softly and turned onto his stomach, pressing his face into the pillow. A heavy arm was draped across him, and he moved to press into the warm chest beside him.
"Good morning," Derek's morning voice made Stiles shiver a little. He peeked out from the pillow.
"Good morning to you too. God, you sound ridiculous," Stiles pulled himself closer to the man. Derek gave him a questioning look. Stiles clarified, "Ridiculously hot. All deep and gravely. Very attractive." Derek looked pleased with himself.
"I can go make coffee," Stiles tightened his grip before Derek could pull away.
"No, no. You're all warm. Too comfy. Stay," Stiles searched Derek with his eyes, taking in all the beautiful, relaxed details. He felt like he was buzzing, which was probably because he'd left his meds at home, but Stiles decided to blame the gorgeous man in his arms. Derek looks at him fondly.
"Ok. I think I can agree to that," he relaxed into the bed again. Stiles smiled contently. He traced shapes into Derek skin lazily. "Are you busy today?"
"Nope," Stiles said, popping the 'p'. He beamed over to him, "You?"
"No, I'm free," Derek ran his fingers through Stiles' hair, smiling softly at him.
"Are we officially dating?" Stiles suddenly asked, biting his lip after the words left him. Derek raised his brows in surprise.
"I uh..." Derek searched Stiles' face for a moment, "Yes. If that's what you want too?" Stiles nodded quickly in confirmation.
"Yes. Definitely yes. I'm glad," Stiles spoke quickly, then he grinned. "Wouldn't want to just be fling. Don't want you thinking I'm a whore or something," Stiles pressed his lips together to stop himself from laughing.
"Oh, after last night, I definitely think you're a whore," Derek's deadpan tone broke Stiles' restraint. He let out a loud laugh and pressed his forehead into the pillow.
"You weren't complaining," Stiles quelled his laughter. Derek rolled his eyes and dragged his hand down his face.
"Shut up, Stiles," Derek grumbled, turning his face into his pillow. Stiles preened.
—
Stiles spent most of his winter break helping the pack fix up Beacon Hills. After everything, no one could deny the supernatural's existence. Stiles was glad to have time to see his father, but Noah was pretty busy catching up on work that had been brushed aside in the wake of the Anuk-Ite's effects. Stiles ended up sleeping at the loft most nights because no one was waiting for him to get back home. Scott teased him that he was slowly moving in with Derek, but he waved him off. When it came to Derek though, Stiles was constantly surprised by him. Derek was so much sweeter with him than he'd ever expect. His morning were spent happily waking up to Derek bringing him coffee. Most nights ended with him typing away on his laptop as Derek read a book beside him. It was all so... normal. Stiles couldn't get enough of Derek walking around in his comfy sweatpants, cooking them dinner, or even walking around the store with him as he picked out his favorite cereal; which was chocolate peanut butter Cheerios. Seeing this side of him made a part of Stiles melt every time. After the month finally passed, Stiles was preparing to travel back to school, but he realized it felt different than before. When he left last summer, he was excited for the new possibilities that came with college. The internship was a dream. However, Stiles felt hesitant now. He packed his clothes into his suitcase, questioning why he was dreading the impending departure. Then the obvious problem finally came together in his mind as he held one of Derek's shirts that he'd borrowed a couple of weeks ago and forgotten to return.
Derek. He didn't want to leave him behind. He was in love with him.
The realization hit him like a freight train. Stiles sat on his bed with a heavy thump. He starred at the fabric in his hands, his eyebrows knit together as he thought it through.
"Well shit," he mumbled to himself. The squeak from his window caught his attention. Derek climbed in, and Stiles' breath caught for a moment, like Derek had somehow heard his revelation.
"What's wrong?" Derek raised a brow as he crossed the room towards him. Stiles stammered for a moment.
"Why do you still use the window every time?" Stiles deflected.
"It's faster. What's wrong?" Derek repeated firmly. Stiles chewed his lip.
"Oh, I uh, I just found your shit. Sorry, I guess I forgot to return it," Stiles knew it wasn't technically a lie, but Derek's eyes was trained on him like he saw through every word.
"That's fine. I would have asked if I cared," Derek sat beside him, still watching him closely.
"Right," Stiles' voice was soft as he looked down at the floor, reaching up to run his fingers through his hair nervously. Derek's nose wrinkled slightly.
"Stiles, you're anxious. This isn't about a shirt. What's going on?" Derek sounded worried. Stiles sighed, why did werewolves have to be so damn perceptive?
"It's nothing, really," Stiles looked up at him quickly, meeting his eyes. His stomach flipped instantly. "I just-..." Love you, he finished internally, "I guess I'm not ready to go back to school yet." Derek's expression softened.
"Oh, ya. That's soon isn't it," Derek's voice was flat. It wasn't really a question, just a confirmation of the inevitable. Stiles nodded, pressing his lips together.
"ya," he agreed softly. Stiles fiddled with the shirt that was still in his hands.
"So, are we..." Derek trailed off. Stiles' attention snapped back to him, searching his face for a clue to what he was thinking.
"Do you want to break up?" Stiles asked, trying not to sound as hurt as he felt. He failed.
"What? I mean, no. Well, I just- You're getting upset. Please just give me a second," Derek was rambling. He never rambled. Stiles braced himself for the 'it's just bad timing' or 'I just don't think long distance works'.
"No, no. It's ok. I get it. Opposite sides of the country. College. It's not ideal. I um, I guess I just didn't think about it," Stiles stood up and paced away from him a bit, trying to hide the fact that his eyes were getting wet, and his throat was getting tight.
"Stiles, stop. I'm not breaking up with you. I just wasn't sure what you were thinking would happen when you left. I wasn't sure if you wanted things to continue," Derek tried to calm him down. Stiles paused, turning back to face him.
"Wanted things to continue? What? Why wouldn't I?" Stiles' brows were drawn together in confusion.
"Well, I know you and Lydia didn't want a long-"
"Lydia? Why are you bringing her up?" Stiles interrupted. He was getting impatient and anxious. Derek paused, then continued.
"-distance relationship. I figured you might still feel that way," Derek finished. Stiles' face was getting red.
"That was totally different," Stiles huffed and crossed his arms. Derek frowned.
"How?" Derek questioned adamantly. Stiles drew back slightly.
"Because I didn't love her!" Stiles shouted in a burst of frustration. He starred at Derek with his furrowed brows. Derek looked back at him with a shocked expression. Stiles' exasperation faded and his eyes widened.
"You love me?" Derek's tone softened. Stiles pressed his lips together, and the red spread over his face and up to his ears.
"I mean," Stiles started. "Well, yes," he looked away. It was too soon. They'd only been dating a month. They'd know each other for three years, but it still felt like they'd only just begun. Stiles knew he'd ruined things. He felt the pain of the inevitable rejection creeping into his chest.
"I love you too," Derek's voice was steady, certain. Stiles looked back up at him. He searched his face for any signs that this was a lie, a joke, anything.
"You... do?" Stiles was frozen. His mind was coming up blank. Derek rolled his eyes and pushed up from the bed. He walked over and grabbed Stiles' face, kissing him deeply. Stiles paused, then he relaxed. Stiles held onto his arms like they were keeping him up. He kissed him back franticly.
He loves me.
Stiles pulled away a minute later. He looked at him with wide eyes. Derek gave him a questioning look.
"Wait, so you loved me, but you thought I was just going to leave town and end things? Just like that?" Stiles frowned.
"I didn't want to expect this could be more. I wanted it to... I just knew there was a clock on this," Derek admitted. Stiles ran his fingers along Derek's jaw. "When did things change for you?"
"Honestly, I hadn't really thought about the fact that I'd be leaving so soon," Stiles confessed. "I mean, I just was so focused on everything going on and falling so hard for you wasn't exactly planned. I mean, it just clicked for me as I was packing," Stiles let out a soft laugh. Derek smiled and caught his lips for another quick kiss. Stiles smiled against his lips.
"It's just four months. Plus, you'll be back for spring break," Derek offered. Stiles wrapped his arms around his neck, pressing them together.
"So, three months before I'd see you again, and another month after that, I'll be back for summer break. Then I'll be home for just over three months," Stiles smiled happily, kissing along his jaw and up his face. Derek laughed and leaned into him contently.
"Just three and a half years of intermittent visits. Think you can do that?" Derek prompts, looking at him fondly. Stiles beamed at him.
"You think we'll be together that long?" Stiles looks at him hopefully.
"I think we'll be together longer. I just know we'll be in the same place after that," Derek says confidently. Stiles yanks him over and pushed him to the bed. Derek looks a little surprised at the reaction. Stiles looks down at him, a wicked grin on his face.
"God, I love you," Stiles sighs before descending.
—
Few days later Stiles left for school. He'd called only minutes after to inform Derek that he'd be getting regular calls to help him deal with the boredom of the trip. Derek contently listened to Stiles ramble on the phone for hours. He talked to him into the night until he finally fell asleep at the motel for the next two days. Derek got used to the long phone conversations. He'd walk around the loft, cooking or cleaning while Stiles filled the silence.
Three months passed faster than he expected. Stiles got back and practically tackled him the moment he got to the loft. It became the standard greeting whenever he got back to town. Derek would catch him each time, swinging him around gently and pressing a firm kiss to his lips.
Derek was unsurprisingly amazed by how well Stiles did each semester. He always reminded him how impressed he was. Derek knew Stiles didn't get the acknowledgement he deserved, and made sure to congratulate him on every accomplishment, no matter how small Stiles made it out to be.
Derek got more used to being back around the pack. He let them come to the loft. He'd eventually met Sheriff Stilinski under the title of 'Stiles' Boyfriend', which was a terrifying experience. Now he met the man for coffee once a week.
He was happy.
But one thing wasn't right. Derek missed Stiles more each time he left again for school. He marked his calendar and counted the days. The week before Stiles was expected home, Derek felt like he couldn't catch his breath; only coming up for air when he burst through the doors and jumped in his arms.
Derek knew he never wanted to be without him after this was all over. Stiles planned on returning to Beacon Hills after graduation. D.C. ended up being too bureaucratic for him. During his senior year, he started talking to his father about a position as a deputy. Derek knew it was a jumping off point, but he was just glad Stiles was coming home. Though, Derek knew he'd follow Stiles anywhere.
Derek flew out with Noah, Melissa, and Scott for Stiles' graduation. They all cheered obnoxiously as Stiles walked across the stage. Stiles held up his diploma and beamed up at them. Derek smiled down at him proudly.
He drove back with him to Beacon Hills. The trip that had brought them together in the first place. Stiles was twenty-two now. His hair was a bit longer, and by the end of the drive, he was unshaved and had a light stubble. They stopped at all the same placed they had over three years prior, talking and laughing as they drove all the familiar roads.
When they finally arrived home, Derek insisted they unpack the jeep the next day. He just wanted to get up to the loft.
"Ok, fine, but if someone breaks in and steals all my stuff, I'm blaming you," Stiles laughed and stretched as he got out. Derek huffed a light laugh.
"Understood," Derek glanced at his phone, reading the messages quickly before getting out of the old jeep. They got on the elevator and Derek shifted his weight nervously. Stiles glanced at him and raised a brow.
"What's up with you? You've been tense since we got back in town," Stiles questioned, searching his face. Before Derek could answer, the doors slide open. The pack yelled out in imperfect unison.
"Congrats Stiles!" Stiles eyes widened a he stepped back in shock. Derek let out the grin he'd been holding back.
"W-what?" Stiles' eyes scanned over the room. Streamers hanging loosely from the ceiling. Everyone was crowded together facing them. Derek guided him gently into the room. Stiles eyes snapped over to Derek. "You knew about this?" Derek nodded.
"He planned it," Lydia spoke up from the group. Stiles melted a little. He grabbed Derek in a tight hug. Derek laughed softly.
"I didn't do anything. They set it all up. Everyone jumped on the idea," Derek said dismissively. Stiles looked at him in adoration.
"Thank you. I love you," Stiles smiled softly at him. Derek smiled back at him.
"Ok, break it up! Some of us haven't seen him the last three days straight!" Lydia cut in, hugging him tightly. Stiles laughed and greeted everyone; Lydia, Scott, Malia, Noah, Melissa, Liam, Corey, Mason, Theo, even Cora and Peter were there. Derek stepped to the side, watching as Stiles chatted happily. Cora broke off and stood beside him, her voice soft as she barely looked at him.
"You ready?" she asked quietly. Derek nodded. "You have it with you?" He pulled the small box out, holding it close to himself. Cora nodded in acknowledgment. Derek crossed the room to where Stiles was talking to his best friend. Scott looked away from Stiles and flashed a knowing smiling at Derek. Stiles paused, seeing that he'd lost his friend's attention. He turned to see the cause, smiling as he saw Derek.
"Hey! I still can't believe you did this. You're the best," Stiles sighed happily. Derek smiled.
"I wanted to ask you something," Derek started simply. Everyone's attention drifting to the two of them.
"Ya, what's up?" Stiles questioned unassumingly. Derek dropped to one knee and pulled out the black velvet box. Stiles eyes widened, and his jaw dropped open as he took in a sharp breath. "Derek, are you-"
"Yes," Derek interjects before continuing. "Stiles, the past three years, you've made me so happy, and I hope I can make you feel the same way for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?" He looked up at him, pressing down his nerves. Stiles gaped at him for a moment before nodding franticly.
"Yes, oh my god, of course!" Stiles said quickly before catching Derek off guard by crashing into him. They tumbled to the ground laughing. Their friends and families cheering. Derek reached down and grabbed the ring, slipping it onto Stiles' finger. He looked down at the gold band, grinning widely. Stiles looked at Derek with such affection, "I love you."
"I love you too," Derek pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.