Deanfallen

Hope you guys enjoy it. It is kind of all over the place but I tried my best

******

The landlord had just finished showing Derek the place: a basement apartment with no view, no windows, out of sight , invisible to the world. It was perfect. There wasn't much room either, but that was okay. All the man needed was a room for Cora and himself, a kitchen, and a spot were he could throw his sister in front of a tv when she got chatty.

"Well, I'm all settled in" she exhaled, stepping from her room noticing the focused expression in his face "Hey you--what's going on up there?" she poked roughly at her brothers shoulder. He was staring off in a trans. What started off as an inspection of his new home turned into an intense day dream. Dreams of being back home and seeing faces he had missed and faces he tried to forget. It had been two years almost to the day since he stepped foot on that plane not knowing when he'd return. But as the number of days he was gone grew longer and longer he'd began to miss home, and someone else.

"Nothing. You ready to go?" she shook her packed purse in his face as an answer. Taking one last look at the empty space, he was snatching his keys up and heading for the door.

*****

It came as no surprise that even two years later Beacon Hills was still facing threats. Though they seemed less imminent, problems were still lurking around every corner. Which is why Derek was currently heading to Scotts for some 'important' meeting. No one knew he had come into town a day early so it would be a nice gesture to make an appearance.

Derek held his breath as he rapped against the door bearing the title "4E" he didn't know who'd be the one to answer but he had a good idea of who he wanted it to be. Perhaps Derek had set too high expectations but his arms where burning in anticipation for the hug that would come from Stiles' lanky lean arms.

"Derek!" The door swung open and there she stood bouncing and jittery. Her hair was straightened and much shorter, different than what Derek had been used to but it look good all the same. Erica squealed alerting everyone in the house.  The crowd consisted of the usual, the usual minus Stiles. He was nowhere to be found, and Derek had not bothered to bring it up.

Maybe fifteen minute later the pair of siblings were hidden in the corner with a view of the room. Derek tried not to seem too anxious for the front door to swing open and for Stiles to come through. Unfortunately his sis had been able to read him like a book. His finger nails tapping against the glass up and his constant need to push his longer hair back down the curve of his head was surely what gave it away "So which one was it?" Cora asked, her hands firm on her hips.

"Huh?"

"The one that made you come find me? The one that made you run away? Who was the one that made you feel something so scary you came running to me? I mean they've gotta be here, you're acting all weird" she scoffed, staring even harder at older brother who had rolled his eyes like she wasn't making any sense at all "What? Every time I ask you showed up on my door step you just shut me down, of course it was because of someone. You have always been emotionally constipated. Nothing in the world could drive you away but emotion"

"Cora." he was stern with his words, telling her not to push it.

She was about to pick even more, prodding until he exploded. But as luck would have it Scott had finally appeared, helping to somewhat ease the tension "Derek?"

"Scott. Hey man" Derek managed a smile back. He missed the Beacon Hills pack. The children in it were far from the teenagers they once were years ago, but he looked at them and seen his old friends all the same.

"I thought you'd be back tomorrow"

Derek shrugged taking a glance around the semi crowded place "Well we just settled in today. I thought I'd make an appearance"

"Sweet...Soooo, this must be your sister?"

"Cora. Charmed. You are?" she asked, extending her arm with fluttering eyes. Derek shook his head when he noticed the same look on the true alphas own face, this would be interesting to watch, he thought to himself.

"Scott McCall. Clearly your brother kept his pack a secret"

"Scarced details. Though I don't think I'd believe him if he told me you were as handsome as you are"

"Please. Derek would never verbally admit I was handsome"

Cora was a grown woman, she could flirt with whoever she wanted too just not in front of Derek. Mainly because the both of them were so bad at it. He was going to they go far away from him but he thought better of it.

Evading his eyes from the meet cute happening before him, Derek continued his sweep around Scotts own loft. Erica and Boyd were draped on the couch, Liam was at the window reading some book Derek could only guess was for his college course, Jackson Isaac and Danny had just barely arrived. And Lydia, who was determined to not miss any information while away, was on face time, painting her nails on the other side of the camera.

"Who's that?" Derek asked when he heard a commotion at the stairs. Stiles was suddenly marching down them looking as beautiful as the day Derek fist met him. He had been there the entire time. Subconsciously Derek reached up and straightened out his shirt, making an attempt to look presentable. He had waited to see that face for two years, and finally, there it was...but he wasn't alone.

Scott scoffed, offering the kid a glance no longer than a second "Theo Reaken"

Derek tried not to let his grimace break through as he noted "You don't seem to like him"

"I don't. He's nothing but a chimaera who came to town with destructive intentions"

"Wait, a what?"

"Yeah. You've been gone a while, a lot has happened. He's a hybrid who's bad news"

"Like that?" Derek asked pointing to wear Theo had just waltzed up to Stiles and proceeded to peck his cheek.

"Yeah. I mean they're not really dating. Theo is head over heels for Stiles-" Derek kept his mouth shut, hoping Scott would get the hint and tell him how Stiles felt without him having to ask. He didn't care how much she'd jump for joy, Derek would never admit Cora was right. Feelings scared him, commitment scared him. But only when it came to Stiles, he was sure nothing would feel as bad as what would come from ever loosing the boy, but it pained him to see him with anyone else "-and Stiles has been hard to read. He likes Theo's company but hasn't seemed to take it to the next level yet. No one knows what he's waiting for but I'm just glad he's taking his time" 

"Does he know? That he's bad news or whatever?"

"Yeah. But he seems to believe the kid when he says he's changed. A few months ago when he gave up the bad boy life Stiles convinced us to give him a chance, but my instincts tell me he's still the same"

"If you don't like him why's he at the pack meeting?"

"He tags along. I think he thinks helping us out will earn him some points with- shit I better get this meeting started Liam has class soon" Scott ended abruptly, jogging to the middle of the home. Stiles' eyes had yet to notice Derek's own, and Derek couldn't be the one to approach him first, his feet just wouldn't allow it. His gaze intensified look at me. C'mon look at me but he never did. Scotts voice boomed throughout the loft and his attention was stollen once more.

"I know we usually meet later in the week, I wouldn't call if it wasn't an emergency. Fairies have made their way to Beacon Hills. Now any other time we'd let them pass through quietly, but they've been here for a week and there have been reports of attacks"

Erica was to her feet, clacking her heels against the ground as she tossed a thick file onto the coffee table "Ms.McCall and I did some digging. Though the victims walk away unharmed they're knocked unconscious and only brought back by some special totem. For an old man it was the ring his wife gave him, a mother it was a kiss from her own child, an the list goes on to more corny shit"

"Well fairies are known for love and playfulness, despite the fact that they can be some of the most evil creatures, perhaps that's the key. They're just having fun, at the expense of other people" Cora suggested. All eyes were on the new comer and her brother. Including Stiles' eyes. They widened suddenly as if he hadn't noticed the man all night, as if he were a ghost ready to disappear any second.

"Oh right guys. If you hadn't noticed Derek has returned, and this is his awesome sister Cora" Scott informed, looking the shorter Hale up and down "I think Cora is on to something. I hope she is, because if they are just around for fun and games it shouldn't be too hard to get them to leave"

"So what's the plan?" Stiles asked. His voice was like a breath of fresh air to Derek's ears after all these years. Just the same, maybe a bit deeper, but still sweet.

"They're crafty, and we don't know when we'll see them next. If you meet one try and get them to talk to us, and reason. Only attack if provoked, we don't need any vendettas on our hands, it's been quiet here" there were no objections after that. Derek was glad to see Scott had taken to being a leader so well, and they pack respected him for it. The members dispersed after that, leaving with a chorus of goodbyes. It was like Derek looked up and Stiles was gone.

"C'mon Cor, let's get out of here" he mumbled.

"Um just one moment, I need to find Scott to discuss...something" she hadn't even waited around for Derek's response before she was floating away. The man would never actually leave his sister behind but he thought it'd be nice to at least make her sweat. He swiped his keys from his pocket and headed for the elevator.

As luck would have it, already waiting for a ride down, was the boy himself. Long fingers disappearing into his pocket as his neck sat craned back watching the numbers count up until they reached his floor. Derek considered going back inside, but he ignored his inhibitions and continued forward anyway.

His boots against the narrow corridor must have been silent to Stiles since he had yet to notice him approaching. Derek's heart beat picked up with every step and he was thankful Stiles couldn't hear it "Mind if I head down with you?"

Those whiskey eyes were blinking towards him, finally just inches away "D-Derek" he called, somehow surprised "Um no I don't mind at all. But it seems to be running a little slow" the chuckle that escaped him was somehow forced and nervous at the same time.

"That's fine. I can wait" the elevator door became very interesting as silence took over once more. Derek wanted to hear more of his voice, he wanted to hear more about his life and how he'd been, but he wasn't sure how to ask just yet.

"So you found your sister. That's great, really, I-I'm happy for you"

"Thank you. It wasn't easy telling her about everything that unfolded here but we've been getting by together" Stiles hummed his response, and reached forward to click the button once more "So how's-"

Derek's attempt at small talk was cut short as a voice came booming down the hallway "I found it. It was upstairs just like you said" Theo came running to a stop with what looked to be one of Stiles' hoodies in his hand. The kid accepted it gratefully before slipping it over his head. In that moment a ding sounds as the large silver doors finally decided to part. He didn't want to be alone ti watch the two be lovey dovey. Derek was in too deep, if he walked away now he'd look suspicious.

The chimera was standing with his hand around Stiles' waist, keeping him close as he whispered about what they should have for dinner. Derek was werewolf and Theo knew, you'd think he'd drop the quiet talk "Oh you're uh Derek right?" He asked suddenly, taking him by chance. Derek just nodded with a tight smile "Theo. I hear you and Stiles go way back"

You have no idea Derek thought.

~FLASHBACK~

"How long will you be gone?"

"I'm not sure. I'm going to stop off in New York for a while then meet up with Cora in Brazil" Like a river around a rock the people of the airport circled the parting friends, not bothering to excuse themselves or stop their interaction "I'm surprised everyone else isn't here. They're usually so emotional about this stuff"

Guiltily Stiles rocked back and forth on his heels "Yeah, I kinda told them to get their goodbyes in yesterday so I could get you alone today"

"You did that?"

"I just...I wanted it to be just us for our goodbye. I hope you're not-"

"No it was a good idea. I appreciate it Stiles" The P.A. system sounded off the final calling for Derek's flight. He threw his head in the direction that people had begun to rush towards, he'd have to hurry so that he wasn't late boarding "Shit, I gotta-"

"It's okay. Be safe, and don't forget about me" he laughed nervously. And without warning rose on his tip toes to kiss lightly at my cheek "Goodbye Derek. I hope you find what you're looking for" He smiled, a weary one that told Derek he was trying his best not to stop the man from leaving. He didn't understand why Derek had to go, but in honesty neither did Derek. Just two nights ago Stiles' pink lips had confessed all the things he'd felt over the years, and to top it off he sealed the revelation with a kiss. One that Derek returned greatly. But something stuck inside of him, something telling him to run, so he did.

If he wasn't already confused enough Stiles offered to see him off upon hearing that Derek would be leaving to find his only living sister, and hopefully himself.

No more words were exchanged. Simply, Stiles handed over Derek's carry-on, then watched him slowly blend into the rest of the crowd. If their was one thing Derek would never find out out, it was that Stiles cried watching him leave. He really hated goodbyes, though he had had his fair share of them.

~END FLASHBACK~

*****

It took almost a week until Derek seen Stiles again. He was looking for something to do while Cora was off in class. He was happy she decided to continue her education but for the past two years she had been his only friend, he'd have to find something to do with his time.

Boredom is what landed him in an old book shop. He'd used to spend hours there when he was a teenager. Derek was sure he'd read every book on every shelf, not that any one would believe him. Maybe a good book would keep him from calling Stiles and doing something stupid. Stupid like admitting he'd come back for him, he was ready to the put fear aside and for once in his life take an actual leap. But Stiles could turn his back and walk away just like Derek did, and that was something he wasn't ready for.

Running his fingers along the lengths of each book spine Derek challenged himself to find something new he had yet to get his hands on. Reaching the end of the isle he made a tight turn to continue his search and came face to face with the current object of his mind. Stiles was jumping with wide eyes, the copy of Sense and Sensibility almost slipping from his hands.

"Hey" Derek breathed out, not seeming startled in the least.

"Hi. I--This is a surprise" he licked his lips nervously. Perhaps Stiles was just as anxious to see Derek, perhaps there was still something there. But Derek couldn't let his mind get carried away, not yet.

"Yeah. I was just checking if everything was still in it's place" Derek admitted honestly, he didn't need the boy thinking he followed him there "I-I can't believe you still come here"

"Well yeah. Every since you brought me I can't stay away"

Derek peered around his thin body to check the surroundings, not giving too much thought to what the question might bring Derek opened his mouth and asked anyways "Your uh...your boyfriend around?"

Stiles scratched at his head as if the question made him uncomfortable "Theo isn't--I mean we aren't--we're just taking it slow. Really slow"

"Right"

"But no, he isn't here"

This was getting old. This wasn't some stranger or a an acquaintance from ten years ago. This was Stiles-his Stiles- Derek needed to man up and stop with the shy act "wanna grab a drink?"

******

Stiles' hearty laugh filled the booth as the two sat across from one another. He was on his second cup of tea, listening to Derek reminisce about the old days. When Stiles was a firecracker, Scott was dim, and Derek hated everyone. Everyone pretended to hate those days but at the same time they missed them.

"Hopefully we can make some memories just as good as the old ones, even though we have half the problems"

"Who knows, trouble is never too far away in Beacon Hills"

"It must have been nice in Brazil"

"It was beautiful. Just seeing a different culture, a-a different world it's exciting. You'd love it, I can't wait to take you one day" the words had slipped from his mouth without consent. True while down in south america Derek had dreamed of coming back, perhaps with Stiles but he hadn't intended on telling him--not yet.

Suddenly Stiles was staring down his cold tea "Why'd you come back Derek?" Stiles had yet to be his forward self since Derek returned home but it looks like he was ready now.

"You" he shrugged, his tongue was already acting in it's own free will so he continued to let it "Why are you with Theo?"

"Seriously?"

"What? We're being upfront aren't we? I'm interested to know why, if he's as bad as Scot says he is, why you're with him?"

"Who I'm with stopped being your problem when you left. Remember? After we kissed?"

Derek huffed, thinking all the way back to that night. He could still taste the candy on Stiles' lips, it was something he'd never forget "I'm just asking Stiles. Dumbly enough I thought you had better taste" and Derek knows he could have phrased it better, he could have done a lot of things better. But as usual, tapping into his feeling put him in hot water.

"You know what? I think it's time I go. This is on me" Stiles left a crisp bill on the table, leaving without another word.

The alpha let his eyes follow Stiles until he left the shop in a huff. Catching his eye was a guy at the counter. His eyes had prominent gold flakes in them and if the werewolf looked close could see the poorly hidden ears that tapered at the tip giving away his true species.

Ignoring the possible threat Derek's head fell to the cold table. He hand't even been back in town a month, and he was already fucking up with Stiles. Somethings never change.

*****

It was well after ten that night. Cora hadn't returned home, Derek suspected she was out with Scott, at least she was safe. At least she seemed happy.

Tossing to the cold side of his bed Derek stared into the dark positive he wasn't going to get any sleep. Things had went south quickly with and Derek keeps replaying the moment in his head trying to figure out where he went wrong. Stiles had complained all the years ago about the man keeping to himself, about never saying what was on his mind. But the moment he was finally honest with Stiles and himself he was scolded for it.

Thankfully, a knock at his door drew him from his convictions. Not bothering with a shirt Derek hesitated at the door knob just for a second. What if it was Stiles? What if he wanted to have an actual conversation? One where we weren't being passive or trying to get the other to admit something. With a hope he never usually had Derek swung open the door to find the last person he'd expect to be standing at his door mat.

Theo was fully dressed in winter wear obviously preparing for the winter that was coming "Derek. Sup man, I hope this isn't inappropriate I jus needed to talk with you"

Instantly defensive Derek crossed his arms over his chest throwing daggers towards the young creature "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I guess we're cutting to the chase-" he began blatantly, catching the tone of Derek's voice "It probably isn't my place but...well--I was just wondering if you said something to Stiles? He mentioned he ran into you at the book shop and he's been acting weird all day"

"By weird you mean?"

"Quiet. Stand offish. Suddenly telling me we should take a step back. Only thing that's changed in the past twenty four hours was seeing you"

Derek's eyes grew before an eerie chuckle escaped his lips, the kid had some nerve "You're right. It isn't your place"

It took very little to get Theo to show his real self. The self Scott saw, the one that Stiles put up blinders against. A grim smile took place on the boys face and he was looking through Derek with dark eyes "You're a smart guy. Whatever was going on between you and Stiles, and I know there was something, it's over now" Blatantly disregarding him Derek went to turn him away, paying to mind to the threat that didn't even get close to touching Derek's fear. But he was stopped short when Theo's hand wrapped around his arm stopping him from moving any further. Derek, without any thought, stared the kid down, his green eyes instantly becoming drenched in a crimson red "Don't think that gets me" he growled, plashing his own golden eyes.

******

Slamming the font door Derek stormed into Scotts apartment without a second thought. He thew his jacket down instantly pacing "I should have bit his head off. I should have ripped his throat to shreds" he exploded in his head, pulling at his hair. He walked away from the challenge, he let Theo think he had gotten to him. But Derek was smart enough to know the game. If Theo went around Stiles with so much as a scratch Derek would look like the bad guy he's always been made out to be.

"Whoa what's happening?" Cora shouted running from what Derek could only guess was Scotts bedroom. Derek refused an answer, instead he continued to lash out, his claws making an appearance and tearing his shirt to shreds "Derek! What is happening?"

"That guy, that-that fucking-" Suddenly a roar escaped Derek's throat. It shook through the small home knocking objects around and scaring Cora into backing down. Dramatically he fell to his knees, his head bowed away from being seen.

Why? He just needed time, just a little time. He came back for Stiles, here he was finally admitting it to himself and there he was with someone else. His heart felt like it was melting inside of his chest, finally giving way to all the feelings he had been keeping locked up.

"Derek...What happened?"

The response came out in a broken whisper "He's gone"

"Wh-What? Who's gone? Who are you talking about?"

Not afraid to show the tears falling he plummeted back on to the heels of his feet, defeated "Stiles. You were right. I came back for him and now--I just want to win once Cor...You know? I want something to be in my favor just once in this life and is it so bad I wanted it to be him?"

"Theo should have never been in the picture" Suddenly Scotts voice was coming from the corner as he stood perched behind Cora. The two looked between themselves suspiciously, they blinked rapidly with big eyes like they were trying to decide who would explain their lack of clothes "Come sit on the couch big bro, I'll go get you a new shirt" she ran into the room to shamelessly steal on of Scotts shirts.

Derek did as he was told, he couldn't deal with the two at that moment. Scott joined him shaking his head as he did "Theo's always been nothing but trouble and it looks like he's back to what he's doing best"

"What do you mean?" Derek questioned, throwing the remained of his shirt across the room.

"I mean confronting you. And last night he attacked a fairy--unprovoked. They've been on a spree since. He's reckless and when he has an agenda nothing else matters"

"Someone needs to tell Stiles" His brow furrowed as he stood up yanking his shirt from a confused Cora "Hey, where you going?" her response was simply the sound of the front door slamming shut.

*****

Soon, after his sporadic trip to see the true alpha, Derek was in front of Stiles' house waiting for him to come down as he knocked rapidly on the door. He wasn't sure what he'd get from tattling but Derek just wanted Stiles to see the truth he didn't care how. And there was the small fact that he'd get Theo out of the picture but that was a secondary win "Derek? What are you doing here?" he was in loose pajama bottoms and an off white top. His hair stood askew and if Derek had to guess he'd say Stiles going to bed.

"We need to talk?"

Crossing his arms Stiles stepped onto the porch and into the light. His face was low and anything but happy "No, we really don't. Look why can't you accept that whatever happened, happened. It's over and done with. You got your wish, I didn't bring up the kiss I-I buried the way I felt about you, why do you have to bring this all back up?" He shouted becoming red in the face.

"Wait. Are you mad at me?"

"No Derek. I'm just...You come in here and question who I spend my time with, after you left"

"You said it was okay, you said you understood"

"I did! But not once did you think to call. No letter, no video chat. Just dropped off, and I wasn't apart of your life. All because we kissed and you didn't know how to deal with it" Stiles' rising anger came out in puffs of air in the night winter sky. The steam falling around him like a comfort. He pinched at the bridge of his nose looking Derek in the eye once again "You know what Derek, it is okay if you don't like me alright. If you are not attracted to me or you just don't see me that way--it's fine, that's life, things happen o-or they don't. But be honest, don't pawn it off and say you're confused or say that you don't want to put me in harms way, because lets face it--I am always going to be in danger. So just spare me the bullshit. All I ask from you is that you be a fucking man and put me out of my misery here, I mean seriously-"

Hearing enough Derek gripped either side of Stiles' waist jerking him out onto the porch. His bare feet stopped against Derek's as the older man placed his lips against Stiles' cold ones. Derek kissed Stiles the way he had been wanting to in the last two years. No one had touched Derek's lips since Stiles and they still felt the same. Soft and sweet. Instead of fighting Stiles wound his arm around Derek's neck egging him on. His tongue was sitting on the edge of his lips darting in and out like he didn't know if he wanted to take it that far. So Derek made the decision himself plunging the muscle past Stiles growing pink lips. The stayed there for a long while, tongues bumping and lips gliding like they were the only two existing in the night.

Slowly Derek pulled away, far enough to see the dilated pupils of Stiles' eyes, but close enough to share the same breath as the boy "What's bullshit is you thinking I don't have feelings for you. Want me to be a man? Alright. I've loved you for a long time, a ridiculously long time. I've looked demons square in the face and I never knew true fear until the moment you kissed me. I had you, you were in my arms, and I had you. And yeah you can say wanting to protect you is 'pawning it off' but that fear is real. The thought of loosing you, that feeling of despair of utter defeat--th-the feeling of loosing the last shred of  happiness of-of joy and light and love in my life...jesus Stiles that feeling is--it fucking killed me to think about. So yeah, I ran and it maybe wasn't the smartest thing to do, but don't you dare stand there and tell me my fear isn't real"

The two men stood in the snow, their lips swapping for minutes on end. From that moment neither of them spoke, neither of them needed too. Everything had been laid bare on the table and they seen each other for what they really were--in love. Though Stiles had yet to admit if he'd forgave Derek for leaving, and Derek had yet to admit if he was willing to give Stiles a chance. But that didn't matter in the moment, that conversation would come later. Right now they held each other, their embraces tightening as the snow fell became softer blanketing their shoulders and pepper their hair.

So deep in the moment not one or the other had heard Theo's car skid to a stop, or even feeling his snow boots thumping against the car port as he marched towards the two. They hadn't noticed his presence until he was prying Derek's body off of his boyfriends. Stiles Stumbled back in surprise, his mouth was pink and swollen from the cold air hitting his spit slick lips  "Get the hell off of him-"

"Theo-" Stiles tried, but the chimera stood firm in shielding Stiles' own body from Derek's. Derek, who was rolling his eyes, and huffing in annoyance.

"No Stiles I got this. Listen man I know you spend most of your time under a rock but around here you don't go around kissing people without permission, especially ones with boyfriends"

The scoff that left Derek's mouth proved he thought Theo to be nothing short of a joke "Last I checked you two weren't together, and he wasn't exactly fighting me off. I think you're pissed he still wants me"

"I'm telling you Hale, back off" It was clear that if things went any further it would not be a pretty night. Theo was stepping up to the plate and puffing out his chest trying to challenge the alpha. Derek seen no threat and stepped up as well, if either of them flinched their chests would bump from being so close.

"Oh, I'm dying to see what happens If I don't"

In an instant Stiles was  prying between their two bodies "Okay stop it both of you" His lanky fingers were sprawled out on both mens chests, keeping them separated. Perhaps he knew neither of them would hurt him to get to the other "This is getting totally out of hand, and frankly neither of you are being rational. Now, both of you are going to get in your cars and go home"

"St-"

"Right now Derek" he was stern as he stared the alpha down. For a minute both creature stood planted, not daring to move if the other didn't. So Stiles took a leap of faith and stomped back into his home, in the hopes they'd see he was serious. Viciously the two stared each other down, long after Stiles had slammed his door shut.

You could see Theo's jaw muscles flex harshly as he bit, and ground his teeth together.  "Back off Hale. Just because you weren't willing to fight for Stiles doesn't mean I'm not"

"Watch yourself kid, you don't know what you're talking about"

Confidently he spat "I know enough"

"I'm here as long as Stiles wants me here"

"How's that fair? With you running around and confusing him"

It didn't hurt to walk away from Theo. Derek knew he was being the bigger man, and it was what Stiles wanted so it brought some comfort to him to back down. He got into his car, pulling away from the home, leaving the brute to stand alone.

Derek stayed away for an entire day. Theo was right Derek and Stiles had history, which mainly meant he knew Stiles better then Theo could ever hope. He knew that when Stiles asked for his space he meant it.

So the man hung around his apartment, alone. Cora was off galavanting with Scott so the place had an eerie silence to it. He read, took two showers, made himself lunch, all before noon. Derek had never wanted for too much in his life but he wanted Stiles and waiting for a response or some type of communication from the younger boy had him on an edge he was not use too.

Derek had succeeded in finishing half of his and Cora's movie collections when his phone rang and it felt like for the first time ever. He tried not to sound to urgent as he picked up the object, he was happy he just might have something to get him out of the house.

"Hello?"

"Derek! We need you to come down to Deaton's now! Like right now! We don't know what to do and Scott's about to flip out on Theo Deaton doesn't have the answers I mean he always always has the answer and now it's just like-

"Erica, please, for my sake, slow down. What is going on?"

"Scott went to check on Stiles this morning. He was in his backyard passed out, they couldn't get him up, he thinks a fairy got to him after Theo attacked one the other day. He's blaming Theo and I'm not sure how much longer we'll be able to hold him off"

"Okay okay I'll be there in five minutes just hold on okay!"

It took some convincing but Derek was able to get Scott to calm down. He'd secretly promised to let the true alpha maul Theo if Stiles didn't recover, but little did he know Derek planned on getting to him first.

He hadn't seen Stiles the first ten minutes he was there, too busy trying to calm his friend down. But once he did slowly, they all made it to the back room one by one until they were all in the cramped room surrounding a cold pale and lifeless looking body. Stiles was comfortably laid before them, a thin blanket stopping just at his shoulders. Derek, in that moment, didn't care enough to consider what Theo must have thought, Derek approached the body, running his hands through his hair, it was still as soft as ever "Why hasn't he woke up?"

"It was the fairies"

"So? All their victims woke up, what's wrong?"

"The fairies spell--the person to bring Stiles back to this side, It has to be the one he truly loves, the one who loves him back-" Cora's theory was right Derek thought, it was a symbol of love that brought everyone back. Deaton's words could barley settle before Theo was stepping forward, he pressed his lips truculently against Stiles' cold, lifeless ones. The image brought me pain, and cut deeply at my wolf but anything was worth it if it meant getting him back. The seconds passed and we all watched as nothing changed, Stiles was still gone he was still unmoving. Theo pulled away to see the eyes of his lover were closed tightly.

"Wha...Stiles" Theo shook his body, as if the action would kickstart his kiss.

"There's got to be something else" Isaac asked in a plea.

"We can look into some books I have in the back. I'm not sure how long we have so everyone follow me and take a book"

They hurried from the room until it was Theo, Stiles and Derek. The angry chimera had his arms crossed over his chest as he trained his eyes on Stiles. Neither of them spoke, and for a minute Derek was thankful, he needed the silence to wrap his head around the fact that they might just lose this one.

"I bet you're enjoying this. My kiss didn't bring him back so it'll be easy to get me out of the picture now"

"Are you kidding me? That's what you're concerned about? I would much rather have you bring him back than not have him at all"

That seemed to shut him up. The room went back to bitter coldness and stillness. It was weird to watch Stiles' body lay unresponsive, it would be an image that would stay with Derek forever. He had lost many people in his life, but this one this one would be the end of Derek.

Derek managed to ignore Theo's glare as he moved closer, standing over the fragile boys body, brushing his thick, tan fingers through his messy brown hair. Forgetting he was trapped in an entirely different state Derek still took note of how peaceful he looked, still beautiful.

"Go on" Theo's raspy voice cracked into the dark room. He had yet to move, his arms still crossed and his head bowed.

"What?"

"Kiss him. You think you're so much better than me, go on then"

"I'm not playing your game kid"

He flew forward, violently slamming both fists down onto the metal table that held Stiles' body "Do it! You were so quick to prove I wasn't right for him. Let's see how right you are, and do it!" His body language was angry but his voice held obvious vulnerability, sadness, and fear. He was fearful Derek's kiss would work, fearful that he wasn't the one.

"Okay" Derek whispered, not daring to chance another glance his way.

With a delicate nature he had new know Derek slipped his arm under Stiles head, careful to keep it from dangling. His other was tucked tightly against his spine as he brought his body close. Derek attended church when he was younger, as of lately he had not been a man of region, a man to believe in anything. But in that moment he prayed to whoever was listening that he brought Stiles back. He just needed him to come back.

Glancing for his lips Derek shut his own eyes and fell in. It was for a split second that they remained lifeless, just cold skin smooched against his own. As if it were the anticipation of a baby's first cry he waited. Derek could feel the exact second his heart beat sped to a dangerous rate as he realized that as hard as he tried his efforts were going to go unnoticed.

But then a groan was escaping from Stiles. The color was slowly seeping into his skin, and his perviously limp arms were coming up to embrace Derek right back.

It wasn't until his eyes finally opened that Stiles realized what was happening and who he was kissing. It was the surprising sight of Theo watching from the corner that had Stiles pulling away "Derek what happ-"

"Tell me you love me" he said instantly, focusing Stiles' attention back on him.

"W-What? Derek what are you-"

There was no hiding it anymore. Derek could continue to be passive and Stiles could continue to pretend he wanted nothing more to Derek. Or, they both could let it go, in that moment they had a chance to let it all go "I brought you back. No one else—no one. Me. Tell me you love me"

"...I...I need you to say it first" and perhaps the alpha knew why, perhaps hearing Derek say it Stiles would know this wasn't a joke, he'd know Derek meant it and wasn't going to run this time. Perhaps Stiles just needed to know Derek was ready.

"I love you Stiles, I do. I'm sorry for making you think different"

His eyes watered at the corner, silent tears suddenly disappearing into his hair line as he whispered "I do. I love you too" he'd never given much thought to how he'd feel hearing those words. But in that moment he was glad he never put an expectation on it, because nothing he'd ever think of would come close.

Daring to pull his focus away Derek glanced up to see the chimera had slipped from the room. And as everyone poured in to welcome Stiles back Derek wondered if perhaps he'd be back to enact his revenge--they'd have to be ready. But now wasn't the time for perhaps or possibilities. He was just going to enjoy having the one thing he'd alway wanted.