Work Text:
Stiles was excited. Derek was worried.
The pack had all finally graduated high school. Now they were all excitedly discussing a two and a half week vacation trip to visit a few collages. Seeing some sites on the way was just a perk. They were due to leave in the morning. Derek was invited but had no intention on going. He didn't feel it was his place. Plus he was a bit worried he wouldn't be able to join in the packs excitement.
He could deal with the pack leaving to go to collage. All but one. Stiles. His boyfriend of six months. They were also mates but he didn't tell Stiles that. He knew how Stiles would react. He wouldn't go on this trip. He wouldn't experience the world. He would stay here tied to Derek. Sacrificing his own happiness. For Derek. He couldn't allow that. Stiles needed the opportunity to make his own decisions.
“Are you sure you can’t come with us Derek?” Asked Allison on the couch next to Isaac.
“Yeah. I'm sure. I have lots of things I have to do here.” He lied.
Scott and Isaac frowned at him. He was sure they heard the lie but thankfully they didn't comment on it.
“Well, I’ll miss you,” said Stiles as he straddled Derek's lap. This was the reason Derek had got an over sized recliner so Stiles could join him.
Derek looked up at him once Stiles cupped his face with both hands. He tried to look away. Not able to look him in the eye long. Stiles just swooped in to kiss his Alpha as the girls cat called with Isaac. Scott groaned good naturally as he rolled his eyes with a smile on his face. He was happy for his friends but still played it as he was disgusted by their lovey dovey stuff.
Unfortunately Stiles picked up on his lack of enthusiasm in the kiss. He tired. He really did. But his anxiety over Stiles leaving and potentially deciding to not come back was killing him.
Pulling back Stiles asked, “Whats wrong babe?” with a frown on his face.
“Nothing.” He lied again.
This time Boyd frowned as well.
“Derek,” Stiles said sternly.
“Nothing really! I'm just tired. I have a headache,” He half lied again. He was tired and he did have a headache.
Stiles frowned.
“Maybe I shouldn't go….” he started.
Derek cut him off. “No!”
This caused a very unhappy smell to come off everyone in the pack. He was already making them miserable. That thought made him frown too and his anxiety to spike even higher.
The wolves all tensed.
“Its okay Stiles. I'm just going to go to bed. Its just a headache,” Derek said as he lifted Stiles off him and set him down in his chair gently. He leaned down to kiss Stiles’ temple then retreated to there room.
“Okay...I’ll be up in a bit,” Called Stiles as he watched Derek climb the stairs.
Derek really did have a headache. He wasn't sure why but he assumed it was because he was working himself up.
He went about doing his nightly routine. He changed into his pajama pants and then went into the connecting bathroom to brush his teeth. As he was brushing he picked up a bit of the conversation down stairs.
“Is he alright?” Asked Scott.
“I think so...” Stiles trailed off.
The entire pack had the smell of worry coming off them. Derek hated it. He especially hated that he had caused it. This was supposed to be a fun experience for them and he was ruining it. That was why he knew he could not go with them. He had his chance to experience this part of life. Was it cut short? Sure. He never finished collage. He had come back to Beacon Hills a few semesters in. But he made that choice. He chose to give it up to find his sister. Then Beacon Hills just sucked him back in.
When he was dabbling with the idea of going back to New York to finish what he started, Stiles asked him out. Bluntly. He chose to stay with Stiles. That was his choice. He couldn't expect Stiles to choose him back when he hadn't even experienced anything yet.
Sighing Derek finished up and crawled into bed. It smelled like Stiles and him. He was going to miss it. Stiles smell would fade in the weeks he was gone. It made Derek's chest ache just thinking about it. Closing his eyes, he pressed the side of his face in Stiles’ pillow. He listened to the plans the pack were excitedly making downstairs. He held in a whimper as he heard his mate laugh excitedly in agreement at a rather far away suggestion from Lydia.
He was just starting to doze off when he felt Stiles crawl into bed with him. Sighing he let himself be pulled into Stiles’ chest. He snaked his arm around Stiles waste and felt Stiles throw a leg over his. Stiles held him tightly, a little tighter than normal. Enough to get a grunt from him as he settled against Stiles’ chest.
“I love you,” Whispered Stiles into his hair.
“Love you too,” mumbled Derek as he breathed Stiles in and started to doze again.
6:00 a.m.
“Son, are you okay?” Asked Noah as he stood next to Derek.
They were standing in the loft lot. Everyone was gathered there to pack their things into the two rental vehicles, Derek had paid for. The Sheriff and Melissa was there saying their goodbyes and seeing them off too.
“Yes sir,” Said Derek quietly as his eyes never left Stiles.
“He is coming back. You know that right?” asked Noah with a knowing look, as he placed a hand on his shoulder in a soothing gesture.
The wolves all looked over at Derek. They knew something was up.
Derek nodded once then opened his arms to catch Stiles as he flung himself at him for a big hug.
“Hey babe! I'm all packed in! This is going to be great! I wish you could come with us!” exclaimed Stiles with a big smile on his face.
“I know,” Said Derek as he buried his face in Stiles’s neck.
Stiles frowned and pulled back. “Are you okay? Do you still have a headache?”
“Yeah a little bit,” Derek replied with a sigh as Stiles placed his cool hand on his forehead. It felt good.
“Der...” Started Stiles but Derek cut him off.
“I'm fine Stiles. Go have fun.”
“Okay….” Stiles said reluctantly as Derek let him go.
Scott pulled Derek in for a hug, pulling his pain away as he held on tight.
“Thanks,” Said Derek sincerely.
“No problem man. Hey, Its okay. I’ll take care of him. I’ll bring him back,” Said Scott as he looked at Derek in concern.
Derek nodded and tried to give him a small smile but it didn't reach his eyes.
Everyone gave Derek, Noah and Melissa hugs goodbye and all piled into the vehicles.
All three waved as they left. As soon as they were out of sight Melissa turned to Derek and Noah.
“My place tonight. Be there you two. I'm cooking dinner. Five o'clock. No excuses,” Said Melissa not leaving any room for argument.
Derek nodded and then took off running into the preserve behind his loft. They saw him leap into the air and shift into his wolf form before he landed. He took off like a shot as he ran in the direction his mate left.
Noah looked worriedly at Melissa. They were both worried.
Derek ran as fast as he could to catch up with the pack. He just wanted to see his mate one more time.
His wolf was howling in agony. It forced Derek to let out a strangled howl himself.
He caught up with them quickly. He needed to find what one Stiles was in. He stayed in the tree line. He didn't smell Stiles in the first one so he pushed himself faster to get up beside the vehicle in the front.
There was Stiles smiling and laughing as he drove. Derek chased them all the way to the boarder of Beacon hills. He stopped and watched them go. Turning back towards his preserve he took off for a hard long run to try and settle his wolf.
He ran until 3:00 p.m. Grabbing his shredded clothes, his dropped keys and phone, he hurried into the loft. The loft may have been outside of town a bit but knowing his luck someone would see him streaking.
He walked to the bathroom and started the shower. As he waiting for the water to warm up he checked his phone. He had a few texts from Stiles and pack and a missed call from Melissa.
He decided he would call her back after his shower. Opening his texts he began to read.
Stiles: Hey babe! I just switched out so Scott can drive. Miss u! 10:00 a.m
Erica: (Pic of Stiles with curly fry fangs) We stopped at this little dinner. Guess what Stiles is eating! 12:08 p.m.
Scott: Hey man! Stiles is starting to worry. I told him you were probably busy. Can you get back to him plz! 1:00 p.m.
Allison: Hey Derek. How is your headache? 1:48 p.m.
Stiles: Derek? 1:55p.m.
Lydia: Derek! Get back to Stiles! He is starting to get on my nerves with his worrying. 2:13 p.m.
Derek grimaced and sent off a few reply's. He didn't mean to worry them.
To Stiles: Hey. Miss you too. I'm here. I was out for a run. Sorry to worry you.
To Erica: (thumbs up)
To Scott: Sorry. Didn't mean to worry him. Was out for a run.
To Allison: Hey Allison. It’s better after Scott drained the pain. Thanks for asking.
To Lydia: I'm sorry.
He didn't know what else to say to Lydia. She still scared him.
He put down his phone on the sink and got into the shower. He signed in relief as he let the hot water spray his back. He ached. It was an odd feeling. He didn't normal ache without having a reason. Frowning as he looked at Stiles’ soap, he felt sadness rush through him. He missed Stiles. He knew they had just left a few hours ago but it felt like that was goodbye. His wolf whimpered. Shaking his head he washed up and got out. Stiles would come back. Noah said so. Scott said he would bring him back. Stiles said he would be back. So he kept telling himself, he would be back.
Derek was on his way to Melissa’s house for dinner when Stiles called.
“Hey.”
“Derek! You scared the shit outta me dude! What the hell!?” Exclaimed Stiles in his ear.
“I'm sorry. My wolf needed let out to run,” Derek replied fully expecting this.
“Oh. Where are you headed?” Asked Stiles as he calmed down.
“Melissa’s for dinner. She didn't really give your dad nor I a choice,” Said Derek as he pulled into the McCall driveway. The cruiser was already there.
“Oh! That's great! I’ll let you get on that! We are going to drive a few more hours before we stop for the night. Text me? I’ll call you before I go to bed okay?” Said Stiles.
“Hey Derek!” Derek heard in the background from multiple pack members.
“Okay. Hey guys. Behave,” Said Derek as he distractedly got out of the car. Noah was standing on the porch holding two beers.
“Aw your no fun!” He heard Erica whine in the background as Stiles chuckled.
“Love you babe. Go eat some good food. Mrs. McCall is the best cook!” Said Stiles.
“Okay. Love you too,” Derek grunted and they both hung up.
Derek walked up the porch and took the beer Noah handed him. Beer did nothing for him but that didn't mean it would stop him from having one with Noah.
“Come on son, dinner is almost ready. Maybe we can find a game to watch while we wait,” Chuckled Noah as he made his way into the house.
Derek nodded as he cracked open his beer. This wasn't like having Stiles around but it was a good distraction for now.
Dinner was enjoyable. Melissa and Noah got him laughing a few times. Melissa had made it a priority to pile food on both the men's plates. Noah looked over joyed at the meat and potatoes. Very little vegetables ended up on his plate. Derek had a lot of everything. EVERYTHING. So much he wondered if he could eat it all. He knew she was used to feeding a bunch of hungry teenage werewolves and Derek could eat a lot himself, but he had doubts about this. He tried his best and almost cleared the plate. Melissa laughed while shaking her head as she removed his plate.
“Sometimes I forget not to cook for an army when I don't have many mouths to feed,” She laughed.
Derek gave a low groan as he rubbed his uncomfortably fully belly as he leaned back in his chair.
Noah chuckled as he leaned over to pat Derek's shoulder comfortingly.
“Who is up for a game of cards!” Asked Melissa as she came back to the table.
-
During their game Stiles had called his father to update him. His father did confirm that Derek ate dinner, even to much it would seem because Derek was still shifting uncomfortably. Derek and Stiles sent a few texts as they played cards. Melissa was very good at cards and whooped both men's butts.
Derek left round 8:00 p.m. to head for home. He was working on brushing his teeth when Stiles video called him. Derek continued his nightly routine as he listened to Stiles tell him about their first day on the road.
As Derek climbed into bed and laid down with a huff, Stiles paused in his rambling. Derek had thrown his arm over his eyes and sighed.
“Derek? Is your headache back?” Asked Stiles.
“Yeah. I'm not sure what is causing it but I’m sure with some sleep it will go away,” Said Derek as he turned to his phone to look at Stiles.
“Hmm. I thought werewolves don't get sick...” Said Stiles as he narrowed his eyes at Derek.
Derek had turned onto his side and tucked his arms up under his head.
He looked to the nightstand where he had stood his phone up so he could see his mate.
“We don't...or I’ve never heard of any wolves getting sick unless we were poisoned.”
“Were you poisoned?” Asked Stiles narrowing his eyes more at Derek.
“No Stiles,” Derek chuckled, “I would have told you if I was.”
“Would you?” Asked Stiles.
“Yes Stiles,” Derek said in exasperation now.
Their conversation continued. Other pack members crowded into view on Stiles’s end so they could talk to Derek too. In the end it was just Stiles who was talking to Derek. He was trying to stay awake. Grunting in response to Stiles as needed, but his eye lids were getting heavy. They kept drooping, then opening. Stiles would smile at him when he would open them to look at him again. Stiles just kept on talking.
Derek had trouble in the past with sleep. They had found out that listening to Stiles talk helped sooth him. They also found out at the same time that when Stiles needed help getting to sleep, Derek would make this rumbling/purring noise in his chest to help.
Derek knew what Stiles was doing. He was thankful Stiles knew him so well. He smiled sleepily at Stiles as he listened. His eyes dropped again. Once, twice, on the third time he just couldn't open them again. He still gave soft grunts and sighs still in response to Stiles chatter. Sometimes he would miss a cue but Stiles didn't seem to mind. He eventually stopped responding all together. Just listened. Stiles voice would fade in and out as he dozed.
“Aw is he sleeping?” he heard Erica coo.
“Almost,” was Stiles faint response to Erica.
“He looks very pail,” He heard Lydia comment.
He didn't have the energy to open his eyes.
“Is his headache back?” Allison asked.
He assumed they were crowded around Stiles again.
“Yeah. Hey I thought werewolves didn't get headaches and such,” said Stiles quietly.
Derek figured he was talking to Allison.
“They don't. I’ll talk to my dad about it,” He heard Allison say.
“He looks so young when he is sleeping,” Said Lydia.
“And Sexy!” Eric exclaimed.
Derek let out a little huff and turned his face into Stiles pillow a bit more. He hatted when people commented on his looks. It made him uncomfortable. He was more than just a pretty face.
“Hey! He is mine,” Snapped Stiles.
Derek's lips twitched like they wanted to smile but he was just to tired.
“Don't worry he’s all yours batman. I have my own boo,” reassured Erica.
Derek was slowly going under. His body was relaxing. His brain wasn't keeping up with their conversation much anymore.
“Sleep Derek. I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Soothed Stiles.
Derek let out a soft moan and then he was out cold.
(Ring!)
Derek groaned as his phone went off letting him know someone was video calling him. Peeking one eye open he reached for his phone.
“Derek! Are you still in bed?” He heard Stiles say in confustion.
Derek could see he was in the back of one of the vehicles. They must be on the road again.
Groaning Derek stretched and asked, “What time is it?”
“Dude. Its like three in the afternoon,” Scott said as he peeked into Stiles camera view to look at Derek.
“Huh?” Grunted Derek in confusion.
“You never sleep in this late,” Commented Stiles.
“Must have needed it,” Said Derek as he brushed their concerned looks off.
He got up, taking the phone with him to the bathroom. He set the phone on the sink like he did last night and went to relive himself and brush his teeth. Stiles was telling him how Lydia woke them all up at stupid o'clock this morning to get breakfast and get back on the road. How they had already stopped to visit one of the collages on there list, that morning. How they were almost to this theme park they were going to visit today and spend the night there. How Scott was getting car sick from sitting in the backseat...and honestly so was he but they had to take turns and all that.
Stiles had to go shortly after that. He said his goodbyes to Derek as he reminded him to eat instead of just drinking coffee.
That's how the days went for the first week. Stiles would call every morning and evening. Derek would get multiple texts from the pack. Mainly pictured of all the things they were up to. Derek would fill his days with taking Melissa lunch and sometimes dinner if she worked late. Scott wasn't here to bring it to her so he stepped up to take care of the pack mom. She mom’ed them all often enough that Derek just looked at her as the pack mom. Noah would sometimes be at the hospital with Melissa waiting for him and would make all three of them go out to lunch together.
Derek would stop into the station here and there to make sure Noah had some sort of healthy food for the day. He would help look over cases to see if they had any supernatural involvement.
Ten days into there trip Derek had his fears brought to the light. He was on the phone with Stiles, their nightly phone call. Stiles was going on and on about this one collage they visited in New York. He was in love with it. Was talking about going to go for it.
Now Derek had no problem with Stiles going to collage but this one was a long, long distance away. Driving to it wouldn't be ideal every weekend to visit. He couldn't let Stiles pass up the school he really wanted to attend. Derek knew he would be holding Stiles back. He would have to let him go or Stiles would do online classes to stay with him or something stupid. He wanted Stiles to experiences collage like he had.
He came to the conclusion he had to let Stiles go. Even if he was his mate. He had to for Stiles. He would do it for Stiles. If he let him go now then maybe Stiles would forget him and enjoy life.
“Stiles...” Derek started.
“Hm?” Stiles asked after Derek cut him off.
“I think you should go for it. Stay,” Derek said quietly.
“What? What about us?” Asked Stiles confused.
“What about us? We can still stay friends..” Derek began but Stiles cut him off this time.
“Are you breaking up with me?!”
Derek could hear the anger in Stiles voice. He tried to explain its what was best for him. That Stiles needed to live life and if leaving him behind allowed that then that was that. Stiles had more to say about it than that though. He began yelling that Derek was being stupid and his thinking though valid wasn't right. He just got him and wasn't going to lose him over collage. He wasn't going to leave him behind. That made Derek panic because as he thought Stiles was trying to throw away his opportunity for him. Derek was just as angry as Stiles by now and things were said no one meant. It ended up with Stiles hanging up on him as he roared in anger.
Derek looked at his phone after Stiles hung up on him. That was harder than he thought it was going to be. He had this feeling Stiles wasn't going to let him go just like that. He was going to have to distance himself.
All of a sudden his energy drained out of him. He slowly sank down onto his bed as this overwhelming sadness washed over him. It seemed to steal any fight from him. He didn't want to move. Didn't want to think. His wolf was howling is such agony that Derek had to squeeze his eyes closed or he thought he might howl too. When he opened them again they were full of tears. He hadn't cried in years. This felt like losing his family again. He gave in. He buried his face in Stiles’s very faint smelling pillow and just let himself silently cry himself to sleep.
Derek blinked his tired eyes open. The sun was coming in from his window. It was morning. Rolling to his side he reached for his phone. It was 9 a.m. His headache was back full force, he ached all over. Every one of his muscles and bones ached. He didn't understand it but he also didn't care at the moment. He felt his wolf whimpering. His howling had finally stopped.
It starting ringing in his hand making him jump slightly. It was Stiles. He couldn't answer. Stiles needed to move on and forget him. He watched it ring heart-brokenly. When it stopped he noticed he had 23 missed phone calls. Many were from Stiles. Two were from Melissa. One from Noah. Four from Scott. One from Lydia. One from Allison. Two from Boyd. One from Issac. Three from Erica. On top of that he had many text messages.
Stiles: Hey babe. I'm sorry about getting angry and hanging up on you. I'm sorry for the things I said. I love you. Plz call me.
Stiles: Derek plz call me.
Stiles: Derek I know you think you doing whats best for me but your not. Your my soul-mate. Plz don't do this to me. To us.
Boyd: Hey are you okay?
Scott: What the fuck Derek! You better fix this.
Stiles: Derek what are you doing? Are you still sleeping? Call me
Lydia: Derek stop being a martyr. You have every right to be happy with Stiles. Call him now.
Erica: Derek! Why! You’ve waiting so long to have Stiles. You just going to throw it all away?
Melissa: Derek Hale! What on earth are you thinking? Noah and I’ll be there at 9:15 a.m. You best be ready to talk.
Derek gasped after he read that because he could hear Melissa and Noah in the elevator. Before he could even sit up the loft door slid open. Sighing he sat up slowly as his bones popped and muscles screamed at him for making them move. Even his toes ached! His toes!
“Son please tell me you didn't just sacrifice both of your happiness for collage,” Said Noah as he walked over to Derek.
“He will forget me eventually,” Said Derek as he cracked his neck.
“Honey, Stiles is NOT going to just forget you. Why are you doing this?” Asked Melissa trying to be soothing.
“Because he deserves to experience collage and have a life. There is a whole world out there,” Said Derek as he got up to used the bathroom.
Melissa and Noah fallowed him to still continue their talk through the door.
“Hate to break it to you Derek but you are his whole world. Why cant he have both?” Asked Noah.
Opening the door Derek growled, “You know Stiles. He will throw away his collage experience just to stay with me. I wont hold him back with me.”
Melissa gave him a sad look as she fallowed him to his kitchen area.
“Derek...”
“Don't. Please just go. I can’t do this right now,” Said Derek as he braced his hands on the counter, head bowed.
“Son,” Said Noah gently, “Are you all right?”
Derek didn't dare look at them. He knew he looked like crap. Hell he felt like crap. He had dark circles under his eyes and he was very pail.
Derek shook his head no but said, “Please just go.”
Melissa and Noah looked at each other in worry but turned to go.
“We will go honey, but I’ll be back to check on you after my shift,” said Melissa.
Derek listened to them leave but was distracted by his phone going off again. Stiles was calling. Shaking his head he turned to leave his loft too.
Stepping out into the parking lot, Derek stopped. Stiles Jeep made him hesitate. He ran his hand along the drivers door. He so badly wanted to just sit inside and go back to sleep.
‘No,’ He told himself.
Turning away from Stiles’s baby he shifted into his wolf form and took off in the preserve. He didn't have to think while in his wolf form. His wolf could take over for a bit.
His wolf wasn't in any better shape than he was. He ran around and howled his sorrow. Slammed himself into a few trees when the pain in his chest got to be to much. Both were going under.
Derek gasped as he was forced back out of his shift. He landed hard on his back with a grunt. He was covered in dirt and sweat and grime….and naked.
‘What happened?’ He thought, looking around.
Stiles.
Stiles was there. Right in front of him. So was the pack... and the pack parents, Melissa, Noah and Chris. And Peter?
“Wha- Cough-Cough” Derek tried to say. His lips were cracked and throat was dry as hell. Choking him.
Stiles stepped forward with a look of anguish on his face. Kneeling down beside Derek he give him a drink from the bottle of water he had. He leaned forward to help Derek sit up.
As soon as the cold water touched his lips his need for the water intensified and he grabbed at Stiles’ wrist to make sure he didn't take it away.
“Easy,” Soothed Stiles as Derek choked on the water a little.
“You have been missing for seven days. I don't think your wolf cared much about food and water at the time,” Said Stiles as he soothed Derek's wet hair from his forehead as he drank. Derek glanced up at him with wide eyes but couldn't seem to stop drinking.
“Derek slow down!” Cautioned Melissa as she stepped forward, hands held out in front of her like she wanted to help.
Derek’s eyes dilated right before he choked again. The choking was for a whole new reason this time. All the water he drank was coming back up!
Turning away from Stiles he promptly vomited up all the water. He grimaced as his arms shook violently trying to hold himself up. He hurt all over. Like someone broke every bone in his body. His head was pounding. He felt as if he didn't have control of himself. He felt someone cover his lower half as someone else rubbing his back for comfort.
He fell back against someone. It felt like Stiles, he hopped it was Stiles. The world was spinning and he felt arms surround him before his eyes rolled up into his head and he was gone.
7 days before
“Hey dad. We have a problem,” Said Allison into her phone.
“Do I need to come get you?” Asked Chris.
“No, The problem is there….its Derek,” Said Allison.
She explained what had happened and then began to explain how before they left Derek was acting odd and had a headache. They were worried he was poisoned or something.
Chris listened quietly then said, “I'm going to check something. I’ll call you back.”
Chris did call them back, but he wasn't alone.
“Hello children,” purred a voice that no one wanted to here.
“Peter.” Sneered Stiles.
“Well it seems my dear nephew has got himself in a bit of trouble….again,” Said Peter with a chuckle.
“Just get on with it!” Growled Scott loosing his patience.
“Patience...” hissed Peter but was answered by multiple growls.
“Alright!” Yelped Peter after it sounded like Chris jabbed him with something.
“It would seem Derek has found his mate. Did you know this Stiles?” Asked Peter.
“Yes,” Answered Stiles as everyone gasped in shock at him.
“Oh?” Said Peter sounding like he was grinning.
“Yes. I know Derek and I are mates. I was just waiting for him to be ready to tell me himself,” Said Stiles not understanding.
“You see little human. My nephew thinks letting you go will give you the best chance at life. What he doesn't know is once you find your mate its set in stone. It will kill him. He will go mad and morn himself to death. If his wolf takes over it will try and destroy him. It wont care about food, water and every day necessities. He will die,” Said Peter becoming very serious.
“Why would he do that knowing what will happen?” Asked Scott sounding appalled.
“Unfortunately, Derek was to young to get that lesson from his mother before she perished. He doesn't have a clue what he is doing,” Sighed Peter like this was a bother for him.
“Fuck,” Said Stiles, “I have to go home.”
“We will come with you,” said Lydia as she gripped a hold of his shoulder for comfort.
“No guys, stay. Finished your trip,” Said Stiles feeling bad everyone was going to cut there trip short.
“Stiles. We all have decided we want to go to collage in New York. The rest was just fun. Our Alpha needs us. You need us,” Said Lydia matter-of-factly.
Stiles glanced at everyone to make sure. Everyone smiled and nodded.
“Actually, I think we do need everyone on this. Derek has disappeared...” Said Chris.
“Hey dad. Did you find him?” Asked Stiles as he drove as fast as he could.
They were about a day out from Beacon Hills. They had been driving for 24 hrs already. Only stopping long enough to fill up on gas, switch drivers, or grab something to eat.
“No Stiles,” signed Noah sounding very tired. “We have been looking all day. He is in his wolf form. His cell is in the loft. He must be in the preserve. Chis and Peter have found some blood smears on trees but that is all.”
“Keep trying Dad. We have to find him. I have to tell him I know. That I’m not leaving him behind,” Said Stiles anxiously.
“Stiles, just get here in one piece. We will find him.” reassured Noah, his voice hardening.
“Thanks Dad,” Said Stiles, then hung up.
“Stiles,” Breathed Noah as he greeted the pack at the front door.
Stiles flung himself into his fathers arms for a comforting Stilinski bear hug.
It was about ten p.m. and they had just arrived home.
Chris, Melissa and Peter joined them on the porch.
As they all greeted the kids Peter stilled and sniffed the air, turning to the left.
“Derek,” He whispered as everyone looked to where he was looking.
They saw nothing. Peter flashed his eyes then two glowing red eyes glowed from the corner of the house in return.
“Derek!” Stiles exclaimed as he rushed down the steps.
The large black wolf whined and lowered himself to the ground and started to crawl foreword. Stiles knelt down in front of him just staring him in the eye. The wolf stared back.
“Derek what are you doing?” asked Stiles softly as he reach out to him.
That seemed to snap the wolf out of what he was doing. He jerked back like he had been shocked and dashed off into the woods.
“Derek wait!” cried Stiles as he tried to chase him but was held back by Scott.
“We chase him he will just keep running. We need a plan,” Scott tried to soothe.
“His eyes...” Said Stiles mournfully, “They were only the wolf. Derek wasn't there.”
“We will get him back. I can feel it,” came Lydia's determined voice as she joined them in the yard.
“We have to...” Stiles breathed as he looked in the directing his mate had gone.
“Okay so here is the plan,” Started Scott when everyone was eating breakfast.
“We will use Chris's sonic emitters to get Derek to go in the direction of Stiles. Then Stiles will do whatever he has to, to get Derek to shift back. I talked to Deaton and he said if we cant get him to shift back then he could be stuck like that. Derek is dying inside his wolf and if that happens then just the wolf will be left. He will stop at nothing to die along with Derek. We cant let that happen.”
The pack agreed with determination on all there faces. They were getting Derek back today.
Once everyone was done eating they set out for the preserve.
“Take these,” Said Chris as he handed out sonic emitters to everyone.
Once done all were on the move but Stiles and his dad. They were told to stand there and wait for Derek to come to them. Allison and Lydia went one way. Melisa and Chris went another. All the wears were on there own, running trying to find their alpha.
Stiles angrily through a rock at the nearest tree.
“Son we will find him,” His father tried to sooth.
“I cant live without him! Doesn't he realize that!?” Asked Stiles angrily.
His father stared at him for a minute and said slowly, “Well if he doesn't then I’m sure he will soon.”
Both of their heads perked up with the first howl in the distance. It was Erica. They found Derek.
BING!
Stiles pulled out his phone to look at the group chat.
Erica: Coming your way Scott!
Scott: Got him! Headed your way Isaac!
Isaac: Anyone else feel bad about hunting our alpha?
Scott: Isaac!
Isaac: I see him! He went left on me!
Boyd: I’ll get him back on track.
There was another howl in anger from the left and noise from a scuffle.
Boyd: He is headed back towards Stiles.
Erica: What happened?!
Boyd: I had to persuade him...forcefully.
Scott: Are you hurt?!
Boyd: I’ll live. Keep him on course. Id rather not do that again.
Stiles and his father glanced up as they began to hear the pack and Derek coming.
“Hold this!” Said Stiles as he gave his father his phone so he could dig in his pockets.
He pulled out a small pouch of mountain ash and began to draw a line.
“Get ready,” Stiles warned, “This is going to hurt.”
Stiles started to see the pack running towards them and right in front of them was Derek in his fully shifted form. He looked rough. He was covered in so much dirt that his black fur looked brown. Derek was running full force...right into the mountain ash line.
“Derek!” Yelled Stiles as his line was hit.
The mountain ash repelled Derek back with such force he flipped backwards on his back mid air. Combined with Stiles’s yell, Derek transformed back to human.
Present Day
Derek slowly opened his eyes. He was warm and laying on something soft. Realizing it was his and Stiles bed he looked around. He could see Stiles across the loft making what smelt like broth. He soon made his way over to Derek and set the steaming cup down on the night stand. He glanced over and they made eye contact.
“Derek,” Stiles breathed right before his lips attached themselves to Derek's.
It was a desperate kiss. One so full of soul and love. Derek's hands come up to cup his mates face. He kissed back desperately.
Pulling back Stiles said, “Babe, I know we are mates. I've known for awhile now. I was just waiting till you were ready to tell me. I know you think you are holding me back but your not. Trust me your not. I was never going to leave you behind. Ever. I was going to talk to you about coming with us. This is the same collage you were going to. You can pick up where you left off. I know you never finished because you had to come back here to find Laura. Then stayed to try and help us.”
Sighing Derek said, “How would all this work Stiles. Who is going to protect the town?”
“Sit up, drink this,” said Stiles as he helped pull Derek up.
It was a bit of a struggle for Derek in his weekend state but with his mates help they got him propped up again the head board. Taking the offered broth from Stiles he took a sip, immediately grimacing at the taste.
Chuckling as he sat on the edge of the bed Stiles said, “Sorry about that. Deaton gave me some powder he mixed up for you. Its supposed to help you gain your strength back faster. You really did some damage to yourself. As for the protecting the town, my dad is the sheriff. Peter will still be around and Chris is a hunter. Melissa is a bad ass pack mom and will patch anyone up who needs it if something happens. I think they got this. Also we will be back to visit and help with anything they are dealing with.”
“Where would we stay? We will hardly see each other anyway...” Trailed off Derek as he looked down into his cup.
“Hey,” Said Stiles as he lifted Derek's chin, “We will get an apartment close to the campus. You and I will live together.”
“Stiles you are going to miss out on dorm life and everything that comes with it,” Said Derek looking lost.
“None of us want to stay in the dorms. As Lydia says, we are adults and can live in the apartments,” Said Stiles as he smiled gently at Derek. “We will work this out babe. I'm not leaving you behind. Besides there is no one else I want to live with….and I think all the girls are planning our wedding.”
Derek choked on the sip of broth he was in the process of taking.
When he cleared his throat he asked shocked, “You want to marry me?”
“Of course I do!” exclaimed Stiles, “Do you want to marry me?”
Derek grabbed Stiles by the front of his shirt and hauled him to him. Their lips clashed in a heated kiss. One full of love.
“Yes,” Whispered Derek against Stiles lips.
“Good,” giggled Stiles, “Because I was not going to be the one to tell the girls if you didn't.”
END.