Well… This chapter is long. Probably the longest last chapter I've ever written for a fic. BUT I may or may not write a few sequels. It depends if people want them…

Chapter Six

Stiles and Derek do their secret dating thing for months. Stiles kind of dug it. Sneaking around was pretty fun. And it was nice to be ditching Scott for once instead of the other way around. It wasn't like their dates were any different from when they normally hung out. There was just more making out. A lot of making out. Just making out.

Stiles was pretty frustrated. Every time he went home after macking on Derek, Stiles would have to jerk off to relieve the tension.

They almost went a little farther once. It was after Derek's graduation and Stiles managed to get some groping in. He started to undo Derek's pants when he was stopped. Derek claimed that if pants went off, sex might happen. And no sex until Stiles was eighteen. Though Stiles knew he'd have to wait even after his birthday. They discussed it and Derek really wanted to take his time. He didn't want to rush into anything. Stiles stated that they'd known each other for years, so they hadn't exactly been going fast. But Derek held firm.

Summer went by way too quickly for Stiles. He was soon starting his senior year. Meanwhile, Derek was working to get his Master's degree in physical therapy, and Laura was preparing for the Bar exam. So everyone was probably going to be stressed.

It was after the first week of school when Derek and Stiles parked at Beacon Hills Preserve. They were in Derek's car and were talking.

"I was thinking I should get a tattoo for my birthday," Stiles said then poked Derek's arm before adding, "Like you."

Derek smiled. "Nice. You know what you're gonna get?"

"Yup."

Derek stared at Stiles with an expectant look on his face for a minute. "Well? What's your tattoo gonna be?"

"It's a surprise," Stiles said and gave Derek a kiss.

Derek pulled back and said, "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Why exactly do you want to have sex with me?"

Stiles stared at Derek, open-mouthed. What the hell kind of question was that? And how could he answer it without sounding like a dumbass? "Because. You're Derek."

Derek frowned. Stiles did not like that frown. It was how Derek frowned when he felt bad about himself. "So you want to have sex with me because I'm hot?"

"No! That's not what I meant! I mean, yeah, you're very attractive. People have been telling you that for a long time, right?"

Derek nodded slowly. "Yes. So you just want me because I'm nice to look at?"

Oh shit. Derek had more insecurities than Stiles thought. And Stiles wasn't doing a good job of comforting him. "Listen. I like your face and all, but if it became disfigured from some freak accident, I'd still want you."

"But I'd still have my body."

Stiles wanted to slam his head against the dashboard. "If you were to stop working out and become obese, I'd still want you."

"But why?"

"Because you're Derek! I've had a thing for you since I was four! As time went on, I just liked you more. Sex with someone you have real feelings for is supposed to be amazing. It's, like, the ultimate closeness you can have with a significant other. It's the physical expression of what two people feel for each other. And trust me, I feel a lot for you. Hell, you are the only person I imagined myself with. Isaac talked me into our little thing by telling me I could have practice for when I got with you. You're the only person I'm going to desperately want simply because of who you are."

Damn, that was the best speech Stiles had ever given. Maybe he could use it for his wedding vows. Well, pieces of it.

Stiles watched as Derek's face began to soften, and he was looking at Stiles differently.

"Did you really think I was only into you for your looks?"

Derek shrugged. "It was a fear I had. And you could do better than me anyway."

"Don't be a dumbass. I was very annoying as a child, and you put up with me."

"You had a certain charm about you."

"And you spent a lot of time with your kid brother and his weird friend when you could've been with people your age."

Derek tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. "Well. I've always like you more than, you know, the rest of the world." Derek chuckled to himself a little. "Once Adam asked me who my best friend was, and I said you."

Stiles definitely grinned from ear to ear. "Aw. You must really, really like me too."

Derek grabbed Stiles' hand and kissed at his knuckles. "I do. That's why it hurt thinking you only liked me for my appearance. That was the only reason Kate wanted me, and it was probably the same with Adam. I wanted you to be different."

"Is it safe to say that I am different?"

"Yeah."

Stiles gave Derek a kiss. "Good. Next time we can talk about how crazy you are about me."

…

Stiles woke up to the glorious smell of bacon on his eighteenth birthday. He loved the tradition he and his dad made about a year after his mom's death. On each other's birthdays, they would make the other breakfast. They were the only two days of the year—besides holidays—that Stiles let his dad have a ridiculous amount of bacon. And his dad always managed to get time off work for their birthday breakfasts. Stiles didn't even mind getting up earlier than usual on school days, and getting up before noon on weekends.

Stiles bounded down the stairs, still in his pajamas, and ran to the kitchen. "So what's on the menu this fine morning, father of mine?"

"Well, my now legally adult son, we have bacon—lots of bacon—scrambled eggs, and pancakes."

"Sweet! Want me to make coffee?"

"That would be wonderful." His dad put some pancakes onto a plate. "I'll be working late tonight. I request that any visitors you have tonight are gone before I get home. Or at least things stay quiet when I do get home."

"Why would I have late night visitors?"

His dad gave Stiles his patented 'don't fuck with me' look. "Right. But just in case. Okay?"

"Fine."

The two Stilinskis ate every bit of food the Sheriff made. Though Stiles did try to eat more bacon than his dad. There may have been an epic battle over the last few pieces.

Stiles drove to school in a good mood. Mostly because Derek sent him a Happy Birthday text and promised to stop by his house when he was done work.

When he walked into school, Scott, Allison, Isaac, and Danny were waiting at his locker. They had decorated it with wrapping paper and tied a shit ton of balloons to it.

"This is awesome!" Stiles told them with a smile.

"It gets better," Isaac said before presenting him with a cupcake. It was vanilla with chocolate icing covered in rainbow sprinkles.

"I'm so eating this right now." He began to lick at the icing.

"And Lydia's making Jackson buy us all dinner tonight," Allison told him.

"Oh my god. This is going to be the best birthday ever."

At lunch, all his friends sang Happy Birthday to him. The rest of the cafeteria looked at them like they were crazy.

After school, Stiles texted Derek the time he should come over. Then he did some homework before getting dressed in the outfit Lydia recommended he wear. Which was just a nice way of saying that Lydia threatened to wear that outfit or she's chop his balls off.

Stiles ordered the most expensive meal at the restaurant just to piss Jackson off.

Once dinner was over, Stiles went to the nearby tattoo parlor. He'd met with one of the tattoo artists the week before to plan his tattoo. It was going to take a couple hours at least since Stiles wanted it all done in one go.

Stiles thanked God he had an early dinner.

When Stiles got home, Derek was already waiting on his porch.

"You're late," Derek said.

Stiles walked up to where Derek was sitting on the top step. He straddled Derek's legs, grabbed his face, and kissed his forehead. "I was getting my tattoo."

"Really? Can I see it?"

"If you're good."

Stiles helped Derek stand and they went into the house.

"And what determines me being good?" Derek asked.

Stiles sat on the couch. "Hmm. Did you get me a gift?"

Derek rolled his eyes and got something put of his backpack. "I got you that book I wanted with my employee discount."

"Yay!" Stiles snatched the gift from Derek and unwrapped it. He held the book close to his chest. "I can't wait to start reading it."

Derek smiled as he took something else out of his bag. "Melissa also made you sugar cookies."

"Fuck yes!" Stiles grabbed the cookies, opened the container, and shoved two in his mouth.

"You're so classy sometimes that it amazes me."

Stiles removed his shoes then poked Derek in the forehead with his foot. "I'm classier than you."

"Uh-huh. Sure." Derek watched him eat for a bit then said, "So. Tattoo?"

Stiles let out an overdramatic sigh. "If you insist."

Stiles stood and made a move to take off his shirt, but paused when Derek asked, "Why are you stripping?"

Stiles rolled his eyes. "First of all, stop acting like a strip tease from me wouldn't be a turn on. Second of all, my tattoo's on my side and since it's kinda big, I'm taking off my shirt. Is that cool with you?"

"Uh, sure." When Stiles' shirt was off, Derek pointed out, "It's still bandaged."

"I'm aware. Go on, take it off."

Derek chuckled as he moved forward to take off the bandage. Once the tattoo was revealed, his heart flew into his throat. Covering Stiles' left side from his hip to the top of his ribcage was a wolf with its head up like it was howling at the moon. The wolf was black and had blue eyes.

Derek traced the tattoo with his fingertips. "It's like the toy wolf I gave you."

He looked up to see Stiles smiling down at him. "Yup."

"The toy wolf that you named after me." Derek stared at the tattoo as Stiles' fingers carded through his hair.

"I wanted to get a tattoo that meant something," Stiles explained. "You got me through a tough time. Starting with you giving me that wolf. And even if we break up—"

"We're not breaking up." Derek didn't want Stiles thinking that would happen.

"I said if. Anyway, the wolf doesn't just represent you always being there for me. It's also a reminder that if I can make it through the shitty situation of my mom dying, I can make it through anything. Though I hope you'll always be there when things get rough."

"I will be," Derek promised, meaning every word. He slowly trailed his lips up the tattoo, wishing he could do something more meaningful for Stiles, but this would have to do.

"I like where this is going. Are—" Stiles let out a light moan when Derek's mouth went over his nipple. "Am I about to get a birthday blowjob?"

Derek snorted as he pulled Stiles into his lap. He settled his hands on Stiles' hips and nibbled at his bottom lip. "Is that what you want?"

Stiles ground against Derek. "I would very much enjoy that. And I'd enjoy returning the favor."

Derek bit and sucked at Stiles' collarbone, hoping to leave a mark. "Nope. It's your birthday. Only you get a blowjob."

"Aw. But I wanted—"

"Are you seriously complaining about getting blown and not having to do any work after?"

"Yes."

Derek chuckled. "Only you."

"It's part of my charm." Stiles pulled Derek's shirt off and threw it behind the couch. His lips traveled from Derek's mouth to his neck. "But on your birthday I'm doing the same for you."

"Only five days to go," Derek reminded before pinning Stiles to the couch.

As they kissed, Derek made sure it was slow and sweet. Derek didn't want Stiles to associate their first sexual encounter with frenzied lust. He wanted it to be special and romantic (well, as special and romantic as a blowjob could be) like Stiles probably imagined.

Derek undid Stiles' jeans then quickly pulled them and Stiles' underwear off.

"This is really happening," Stiles babbled. "It's about fucking time— Oh god!"

Stiles stopped talking once Derek had his mouth around him. Instead, he made beautiful, wonderful noises as he gripped Derek's hair. Just the sounds Stiles was making were turning Derek on like crazy. That was something Derek had never experienced before.

Stiles moaned out Derek's name as he came. As Derek sat up, Stiles said, "Best birthday ever. And you just swallowed all that didn't you? How efficient." Stiles sat up and moved closer to Derek on the couch. He kissed at Derek's neck and slid his hand down Derek's pants.

"Stiles."

"Shut up and accept your thank you hand job." Before Derek could protest, Stiles brought their lips together and started stroking Derek's length.

Derek came almost embarrassingly quickly. Then again, he hadn't been touched by another person in awhile.

When Stiles wiped his messy hand on Derek's pant leg, Derek glared at him. "Thanks."

"No problem." Stiles wrapped his arms around Derek and rested his forehead on Derek's shoulder. And was… giggling.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing's funny," Stiles assured. "It's just… I got a blowjob from Derek Hale on my living room couch. I'm living the dream, man."

Derek placed a kiss to the top of Stiles' head. "I'm glad."

Stiles stood in all his naked glory right in front of Derek. "Let's go upstairs and change. I have sweatpants that'll fit you. I doubt you wanna go home in jizz stained pants."

"Are you going to kick me out after?" Derek felt some insecurities seeping through.

"No. We've got hours before my dad's finished work. I figured we could cuddle and watch a movie."

Derek actually enjoyed cuddle time with Stiles. Kate never wanted to touch Derek after sex. And Adam was only touchy with Derek when other people were around, as if staking his claim. Stiles just seemed to like being close to Derek. It was nice. And comforting.

After the movie, Stiles walked Derek to his car. Derek's hands were on Stiles' waist, while Stiles settled his arms behind Derek's neck. They kissed for some time.

"Happy Birthday, Stiles."

Stiles smiled. "I-I'll miss you."

"I'll see you tomorrow when you come to my house and annoy my family."

Stiles laughed. "True. Do you work tomorrow?"

"Until one."

"Okay. I'll hang out with Scott until he runs off to Allison, and then I'll bug you."

"Sounds like a plan."

They shared one more kiss before Derek finally headed home.

…

Derek felt a body fall on top of him at around five on Thanksgiving morning. "Why are you in my bed and not Scott's?" Stiles and his dad always showed up at the Hale house early on Thanksgiving. The Sheriff liked to help prepare the meal. It wasn't unusual for Stiles to plop into either Derek's or Scott's bed. Derek was just surprised Stiles chose his bed this year since they still hadn't told anyone about their relationship.

Stiles nuzzled his head against Derek's chest. "Well. For one, you're surprisingly comfortable for a muscle man. And two, Scott punched me in the throat last year when he woke up."

"You'd think he's be used to you just appearing by now."

"Please. This is Scott we're talking about." Stiles yawned. "Now let's go back to sleep."

A few hours later, Derek was being poked awake by Stiles. "Laura and Josh are making breakfast, Pancakes. We must get down there before Scott wakes up."

Stiles had a point. Scott inhaled pancakes. "Let's go."

They got their own fill of pancakes before Scott appeared.

"So, Josh," Stiles said, "why are you here and not with your family this fine holiday?"

"Don't be rude, Stiles," the Sheriff said.

"What? I'm naturally curious."

Josh laughed. "It's fine. My family is huge and a little suffocating. And since they mostly live in New Jersey, Laura and I see them a lot. It's not a far trip from the city after all. So we figured it's be fair to see you guys instead since you live across the country. Plus, it's much more peaceful here. My family's so nosy."

Derek snorted. "Everyone in this house is nosy."

Josh smiled. "But none of you are too obvious about it. It's refreshing."

When afternoon hit, Derek had just finished getting dressed when Laura knocked on his door, and came in before he could respond.

"Laura! I could've been naked."

Laura sat down on the bed. "Well, you're not. Thank God." She smirked at him. "I bet you wouldn't have cared is Stiles walked in on you naked."

"Why would you say that?"

"Because you and Stiles are obviously banging."

Derek had to resist the urge to smack his sister. "We are not banging."

"Well, you're doing something of the sexual nature."

Derek sighed. There was no point in lying to Laura. "Only since his birthday. Though we've been kind of dating for months now."

"That long, huh?"

Derek sat down next to Laura. "How'd you figure it out?"

"Well, Stiles is no longer teasing you until you look like you're about to pass out. The mutual flirting and touching has increased. And you two give each other idiotic smiles all the time. Why haven't you two told anyone?"

Derek shrugged. "Stiles didn't want his dad constantly bugging us before he was legal."

"I'm pretty sure the Sheriff knows."

Derek had to laugh at that. "Don't tell Stiles. He likes to think he can get away with stuff."

"Any other reasons why you're still all secret?"

"We're not sure how Scott will react. We don't want him to hate us or anything. But I just know he'll overreact. And it'll probably hurt Stiles. I don't like Stiles upset."

"Aw." Laura ruffled Derek's hair. "You really care about him."

Derek pushed her arm away. "I do."

"You also seem really happy."

Derek smiled. "I am. It's easy with Stiles. And feels… right, I guess. Like, being with Kate was all kinds of wrong, and Adam annoyed the shit out of me. And, yeah, Stiles has his annoying moments, but I can be annoying right back and he won't bitch at me. And I get him. Sometimes he had to squash my insecurities, though."

"You know, Scott will get over it when he realizes you two love each other."

"I never said anything about love." Derek wasn't sure if he was ready to express love. Stiles was young, and he didn't want to scare Stiles off. And Derek wanted to be really sure of his feelings before he said the words.

Laura scoffed. "Please. It's so obvious how you guys feel. Hell, Stiles looks at you like… like… Fuck. I don't know how to describe it. Like how Dad and Melissa look at each other."

Derek remembered something Stiles liked to say. "Like I'm the greatest gift ever?"

"YES!" Laura excitedly smacked his arm. "That's exactly it. Where'd you come up with that?"

"From Stiles."

"Of course."

Dinner went as it usually did. Derek and Scott fought over dinner roll, Laura complained about how gross cranberry sauce is, Stiles and his dad argued over what the Sheriff could eat, Josh fit in by stealing Laura's stuffing which made Laura try to stab him with a fork, Melissa told everyone to stop being ridiculous, and Dad just laughed at everyone. The typical Hale Thanksgiving.

After dinner, Scott, Melissa, the Sheriff, and Josh watched football while Laura and their dad cleaned up. Derek and Stiles went onto the back porch to talk.

Stiles hopped on the railing and Derek held onto Stiles' waist. He didn't want Stiles to fall after all.

"So what did you wanna talk about?" Stiles asked.

"Laura knows about us."

"How?"

"She figured it out."

"Damn her," Stiles cursed. "Is she okay with it?"

"She is. She likes that I'm happy."

Stiles grinned. "I make you happy?"

Derek rolled his eyes at Stiles. "Yes, you do."

Stiles kissed Derek's nose. "You make me happy too."

That might've made Derek feel kind of warm inside. "You know, Laura says you look at me like I'm the greatest gift ever."

"Well, you are the greatest gift ever."

And, Christ, Derek's heart stopped for a minute. Stiles practically said he loved Derek. "Stiles." He placed a sweet kiss to Stiles' lips. "You are the greatest gift I've ever gotten."

Derek was rewarded with the most dazzling smile from Stiles ever.

…

After Christmas break, Isaac approached Stiles at school. "You've been in a really good mood lately. What's been going on with you? Is it Derek related?"

"Shh!" Stiles looked around. No Scott. Good. "We haven't said anything to our parents or Scott yet. How the hell did you figure it out?"

Isaac smiled. "On Saturday night, Danny and I tried to park at the Preserve to mess around, but a car was already in our usual spot. And I thought the car looked familiar, so Danny told me to go check it out in case someone was in trouble or so we could embarrass a friend. I peaked in the window and saw Derek's dick in your mouth."

"Oh my god."

"I told Danny to come look. It was quite a show. You were both very into it."

"I'm just gonna go and slam my head with my locker door."

Isaac frowned. "But then we won't get to go on a double date."

"Derek and I don't do double dates."

"I'll tell Scott if you don't go on a double date with me and Danny."

"Fuck. I've taught you too well."

Isaac gave Stiles a pat on the shoulder. "I know. Aren't you proud?"

"Not really."

And that was how Stiles and Derek ended up at a semi-nice restaurant outside of Beacon Hills with Isaac and Danny.

"Derek looks miserable," Danny commented. And Stiles totally caught the hint of amusement.

Stiles put a smile on his face. "Well, Derek doesn't like people much." He received a glare from Derek for that.

"Well, he hates me," Isaac muttered as he finished his salad.

Derek looked guilty. "I don't hate you. I just didn't like it when you were with Stiles. You're much more tolerable now."

Isaac smiled. "Good."

Derek made more of an effort to chat with Isaac and Danny. And he actually seemed to enjoy himself after awhile—no alcohol needed! Stiles was so proud of Derek. He'd come so far socially. He was definitely going to be rewarded with sexual favors after dinner.

"See? That was fun," Stiles said as they walked to Derek's car.

"A little," Derek admitted.

"Will I ever meet your friends from college?" Stiles asked as he leaned against the passenger side of the car.

"I had, like, four friends that could deal with me by the last year of school. One went off to intern somewhere on Chicago—that was Kim. Alan is going to graduate school in Seattle. Justin is trying to make it on Broadway. And Kenny is backpacking through Europe with his girlfriend Mindy. She hates me because Kenny used to have a thing for me."

"So…"

Derek put his hands on Stiles' face. "If we're ever near them, I'll introduce you. I promise. They'll all be very happy to see I'm actually dating someone."

"Are you actually keeping in touch with them?"

"Surprisingly I am. We text and talk on Facebook, and Kenny even sent me a postcard from Germany."

"Aw. Derek had friends."

Derek ran a thumb along Stiles' bottom lip. "I do."

"Am I still your best friend, though?"

Derek chuckled. "Yes, Stiles." Then he kissed Stiles. And again. And again. And—

"WHAT THE FUCK?"

Stiles was really hoping a hole would open in the Earth and eat him up as he and Derek faced Scott and Allison. Allison looked intrigued. Scott looked sick.

Stiles couldn't stand the silence. "Scott, buddy. Fancy seeing you here."

"You were making out with my brother!" Scott cried. "And this doesn't look like a new thing!"

"We've been kind of seeing each other since March," Derek confessed.

Scott's mouth opened and closed several times. "M-March? That long? How—This is—Fuck! I'm—I'm." Scott snapped his fingers. "I'm gonna tell Mom and Dad!" Scott got back into his car and sped off.

"Scott!" Allison called. She sighed and turned to Derek and Stiles. "Can you guys give me a ride?"

"Sure," Derek said. They all got in the car. "You want me to take you home?"

"No," Allison said. "I sense Scott will need me to calm him down."

"We're really sorry this ruined your night," Stiles told her.

"It's okay," Allison assured. "Scott's just having another unnecessary freak out."

Derek let out a breath. "I'm afraid our weird brotherly competition brings out his immaturity."

"He'll get over it," Allison said. "But Lydia and Erica are gonna be pissed you didn't tell them, Stiles."

Stiles smacked his forehead. "Ah, shit. I'm gonna have to buy them shoes or something to make up for it."

When they entered the Hale house, Scott was screaming at his parents. "You have to forbid it!"

"We can't stop them from dating," Melissa said.

"And if you think about it, it's not really surprising," Mark put in. "You see how they act with each other."

"Doesn't their happiness matter?" Allison asked.

Scott spun around to face Stiles and Derek. He pointed at Stiles. "He's probably just using you to feel young again. You're just a passing phase, a boy toy."

Well, that was a punch in the gut. "Fuck you too, Scott." Stiles didn't bother to hide his hurt.

Scott and his accusing finger focused on Derek. "I wouldn't be surprised if Stiles was just using you for sex. Why would he want to be in a relationship with such an asshole?"

"Scott!" Melissa snapped. "Enough!"

"You don't know shit, Scott," Derek said flatly. He grabbed Stiles' hand. "I'm taking you home."

Stiles let the tears fall when they got in Derek's car. "Well, it's nice to know how he really feels about us."

"That's not it," Derek said. "And you know it. It must be hard dealing with his best friend dating his asshole brother."

"You're not an asshole," Stiles told Derek. "You act like how most older brothers act. And I know you'd kill anyone who would hurt Scott."

"You're not a boy toy, you know," Derek said.

"I guess."

"You're not. You're the best person in the world, who I totally don't deserve."

"You totally do." Stiles looked at Derek. "Do I need to remind you I'm not using you for sex?"

"Nope."

"I'm gonna punch Scott in the dick."

Derek laughed a little as he pulled up in front of Stiles' house. "I'll walk you inside."

Stiles' dad was waiting for them in the living room. "Scott called to 'warn' me about you two. He was acting like a little shit, so I told him to get his head out of his ass. Then he hung up on me."

Stiles smiled. "I love you, Dad."

"So, how long have you known about us, Sheriff?" Derek asked.

"Since summer."

Derek nodded. "Can I sleep here tonight? I don't wanna deal with Scott."

"Sure. I'll even let you sleep in Stiles' room. With the door open."

…

A week went by before Scott finally agreed to talk to Stiles. When Stiles walked into Scott's room, he said, "So you're finally ready to admit you've been being an ass?"

Scott crossed his arms. "I still feel very justified in my anger."

"I'm out." Stiles turned to leave.

"But!" Scott called making Stiles face him again. "Mom, Dad, Allison, Laura, Josh, your dad, Isaac, Danny, Boyd, Erica, Lydia, and Jackson all say I should hear you out."

Stiles sat down in Scott's desk chair. "Even Jackson? Wow."

Scott rolled his eyes. "Why Derek? Why are you with him of all people?"

Stiles took a deep breath. "Because I love him." It was the first time he ever said it out loud.

"What? How can you love him?" Scott demanded to know.

"Why do you love Allison?"

Scott thought that over for a minute. "Because… she's Allison."

"And that's why I love Derek! It's not about how he looks. Even of he was fugly, I would've fallen for him. Not many people tolerated me when I was a kid. But Derek—an older, cooler kid—actually seemed to enjoy my company. He went out and bought me a Valentine's Day gift after I gave him a card I made. A card that he still keeps on his bookshelf. He gave me one of his toy wolves to comfort me after my mom died. He was the first person to take me to the cemetery because he knew it would make me feel better to visit my mom. He quit smoking because I asked him to. He broke up with Adam because Adam was a douche to me. And even though it pissed me off, he insisted on waiting until I was eighteen out of respect for the law and my dad."

"You guys started dating when you were seventeen!"

"Well, yeah." Stiles shrugged. "I eventually got to him. But there was nothing more than making out. Like, he wouldn't even let me touch his dick through his jeans."

"Ew!" Scott waved his arms around to get Stiles to shut up. "You know, you never even told me that you actually, really, truly liked him. I thought you flirted with him for fun. And to annoy me."

"The flirting was me trying to wear him down."

Scott shook his head. "How long have you even liked him?"

"Since I was four and noticed how pretty his eyes are."

"Gross. And how did the flirting start?"

"I was bugging him one day, like, three years ago. I noticed he kept the Valentine I gave him, so… I kissed him."

"What? How could you never tell me? About any of this?"

"Because I knew you'd freak out!" Stiles yelled.

"I would not have!"

"Scott, you did indeed freak out. You ditched Allison at a restaurant to tell your parents on us."

Scott ran a hand through his hair. "Allison's still mad about that."

"And I should still be mad at you. You called me a boy toy," Stiles reminded. "And you acted like I was only using Derek for sex. News flash! There has been no penetration."

"Yuck."

"Shut up," Stiles snapped. "Do you even know how insecure Derek is? He had been afraid I was only into him for his looks. I had to give him this huge speech to convince him I like him for him."

Scott appeared surprised. "He's insecure?"

"Yes! He thought he was in love with Kate and she straight up told him he was only good for sex. He thinks that's all people want out of him. Then you, his brother, pretty much said that. All because you were pissed because we didn't tell you and it might be a little weird for you."

"Well, now I feel like shit."

"You should," Stiles said. "You insulted two people who didn't tell you about their relationship because they were concerned about your feelings."

"Oh." There was silence. "It's just… when I saw you guys kissing… I knew you'd be taking up all of Derek's time when he doesn't spend much with me anyway. And I was scared about you starting to ditch me for him."

"You mean like how you ditched me for Allison?"

Scott looked at the floor. "Yeah…"

"Scott, Derek and I have been secretly dating for months and I still see you a lot. And Derek thinks you don't want to hang out with him."

"I'm sorry, Stiles."

"Good. Wanna play some Call of Duty?"

…

Derek got out of his car just as Stiles was leaving the Hale house. "You look happy."

Stiles grinned and gave Derek a kiss. "Scott and I have reconciled." He gave Derek a pat on the chest. "Now it's your turn."

Derek stared at hos house with slight fear. "How was it?"

"I made him feel like shit, explained things, and he apologized. Then we spent some quality time together, which I suggest you do too."

"I'm scared," Derek admitted.

"Dude, it's Scott. You'll be fine. Especially since I already had a go at him."

"Come with me?"

Stiles laughed. "No. You have to do this on your own. Call me later, okay?"

"Sure."

Stiles left then Derek slowly made his way up to Scott's room. Scott was sitting on his bed, doing homework. He looked up when Derek walked in and said, "Hi."

"Hey." Derek sat across from Scott on the bed. "I hear you and Stiles made up."

"Yeah. I get his feelings for you now, and why he didn't tell me. Even though I'm still annoyed, I understand. I just don't get your side of things. Why my best friend? I knew you always liked him more than me, but not that way. And have you liked him as long as he's liked you?"

"I never liked Stiles more than you," Derek said.

"Oh please. You never gave him the 'why the hell are you here' look. You always laughed at his dumb jokes, and actually seemed to want to hear what he had to say. You've always acted like I'm a waste of space."

"That's not true! Listen, Scott. After you were born, I acted like a brat because I wasn't the baby anymore. Dad moved out and he suddenly had a new son. I was afraid he'd love you more than me. Then after my mom died, I was going through a lot. I wasn't as nice to you as a big brother should be."

"But Stiles—"

"I eventually started to think of Stiles as a friend. Hell, he's my best friend. At my mom's funeral, he was the only person who managed to comfort me."

"Okay," Scott said. "So. How long have you liked him?"

Derek shrugged. "Since he kissed me a few years ago. It made me look at him differently. He wasn't just this kid I hung out with anymore. He was suddenly this person who could be a possible partner, someone who was—still is—a really good kisser. I hadn't felt so much from just kissing someone before. Fuck. That whole seeing fireworks thing finally made sense. But it freaked me out because Stiles is five years younger, and at the time a relationship would have been illegal. I… I didn't want to be Stiles' Kate."

"You're not like her."

"People do keep saying that."

"It's true," Scott said. "So, um, how serious are you about him?"

"I care about him. A lot."

It looked like Scott was glaring. "You don't love him?"

"I… ugh. I've never said that to anyone outside the family, you know? The one person I thought about saying it to was only using me for sex. I need… I need to be sure my heart isn't going to be torn out and shit on again before I say it."

"Stiles wouldn't hurt you. Not on purpose."

"I know," Derek said quietly."

"You don't say you love me. Much."

"I do love you, Scott. You're my little brother. If someone were to hurt you, I'd kill them."

Scott cracked a small smile. "But, um, what about my mom?"

"I've told her I love her. She's not just a step-mom. She's my second mom. Whenever someone calls her my mom, I don't correct them."

"Then why don't you call her mom?" Scott wondered.

"It's out of respect for the woman who gave birth to me. Melissa gets that."

"Oh. That makes sense," Scott said. "You know, Stiles is family. You can tell him you love him."

"You know it's not the same kind of love."

Scott nodded. "True."

"So… Are we good?" Derek asked.

"Yeah. But I still think it's weird, and it'll gross me out for a while. Oh. And I'm sorry for saying Stiles was only using you for sex."

"It's fine," Derek told him. "You were upset. Hey. You wanna go get pizza?"

Scott beamed. "Yeah!"

…

Stiles groaned in frustration on Derek's bed. Derek didn't turn away from his computer, so Stiles groaned again.

Derek sighed and turned around in his chair. "Yes, Stiles?"

Stiles waved his college applications around. "I don't know what I want to do with my life! Scott wants to become a vet, Isaac wants to be a Social Worker, and everyone else is so sure. I don't have a fucking clue!"

A weird look crossed Derek's face, one that Stiles couldn't place. "You'll figure it out."

"What if I pick a major, graduate, and then figure out I have no passion for my chosen career?"

"You'll have a passion for whatever you choose." Derek's voice sounded weird. It was starting to worry Stiles.

"Um. How'd you decide you wanted to do Physical Therapy?"

"I like the idea of helping people who have been hurt. I want to be able to give people the confidence to go on, no matter what the injury. I want to be able to show people that they can come back from getting hurt."

Stiles smiled at Derek. "You're awesome, you know?"

Derek's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "I try."

"The only thing that interests me is random facts."

"You'll find something to do with your life, Stiles." Derek turned back to his computer.

Stiles let out a breath and got off the bed. He walked up to Derek and put his chin in Derek's shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just have to work on this paper."

Stiles shut the laptop and spun Derek around. "Tell me."

They stared at each other for a good five minutes before Derek gave in. "Jesus. It's just… you… and college. Going away and meeting new people. You… you'll find someone better, and—"

Stiles covered Derek's mouth. "Stop that. There's no one better. There's only you, okay?"

Derek removed Stiles' hand from his mouth, and held onto it instead. "But you're smart. You'll go far away to some great school and move on."

Stiles backed away and glared at Derek. "Don't you even think about it!"

"What?"

"Don't you dare break up with me so I can be free while I'm in college. And I don't even want to go to school far away, okay?"

"Just because of me—"

"It's not just you," Stiles said. "I'm all my dad has, and he's all I have. I don't want to leave him. And, like you, I don't want to go to a big city or something. I like small town life. This town. It's where I grew up, where my parents grew up. My mom's buried here. I want to raise my future family here. That's what I've always wanted."

"Really?" Derek asked, looking like a puppy.

Stiles sat in Derek's lap. "Really. Hell, I still want to live at home. At least for a little while. You're not getting rid of me, okay?"

Finally, a real smile from Derek. "Okay."

…

A few weeks later, Stiles burst into Derek's room. "I have wonderful news!"

"Stiles, I have a paper due tomorrow."

Stiles gave Derek his disappointed/sad pout. Derek hated all of Stiles' pouts that weren't playful. "I guess I'll go tell Scott what I want to do with my life." Stiles started to turn.

"Wait!" Stiles had been so freaked out that he didn't know what he wanted to do. Derek knew this was important to Stiles. A big deal. "I wanna know. Tell me."

Stiles smiled and jumped onto Derek's bed. "Okay. So I was at the grocery store."

"How—"

"Let me tell the story. I was putting all my stuff into the Jeep when I saw one of my teachers doing the same in the car next to me. Her son was helping her—an adorable little dude. She realized she forgot something and asked me if I could watch her kid. So I said sure because kids are awesome, you know?"

"They are," Derek agreed. He actually wanted to have kids with Stiles. But he felt it was a little too soon to say that.

"Right! I noticed the kid—Tony who is six years old plus seven months—was wearing a Finding Nemo shirt. I told him I love that movie, and he got so excited. He said he loved fish and sharks and turtles and all that. He even said he wanted to be a mermaid so he could live in the ocean." Stiles chuckled. "Anyway, I told him a bunch of random facts I know about the ocean and its creatures. Tony was really into it. He was eating up every word I said, asked questions, and was just so happy to be hearing all of it.

"That's when it hit me. Teaching! Teaching little kids—hopefully pre-school or kindergarten. You know, when kids actually like learning and find it fun. And no one's an asshole like teenagers or older kids. It would actually be a rewarding experience. You know, seeing their eyes light up when they gain new knowledge like Tony did."

Derek smiled. "That's great, Stiles."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. I can see you doing that. And you'll be everyone's favorite teacher."

Stiles actually squealed and jumped into Derek's lap, kissing him all over the face. "You have no idea how happy I am you think that." He put his lips to Derek's, slipping his tongue into Derek's mouth.

Derek let this go on for a bit before stopping it. He had a paper to write, after all. "No more."

Stiles sighed a little. "Okay." He gave Derek one last kiss and got off his lap.

"You're not… frustrated with me, right?" Derek realized they had been dating for a long time without going much farther than hand jobs or blowjobs. It must've been really getting to Stiles.

"What? You mean the lack of penetration?"

"Um… yeah." Derek looked down at the floor.

"Nah. I get it. You want to be able to do the whole emotional side of a relationship before you do the physical. You never got that chance with Kate or Adam. You need this, and it's not like we don't touch each other or anything. We have sexual contact and it's awesome." Stiles gave Derek a quick kiss. "I'll wait as long as you want because I love you."

Derek just stared at Stiles. It felt like his brain had short-circuited. He knew Stiles felt that way, but he had never said it. Hell, Derek felt it, but saying it? It scared him.

Stiles laughed and Derek scowled. "What?"

Stiles gave him another kiss. "I can see you having some internal debate. You don't need to say it back before you're ready. I just… I wanted you to know that I love you. Okay?"

Derek touched Stiles' face. "Okay. I just… You know I—"

"I know, Derek." Stiles grabbed Derek's free hand and kissed his fingertips. "You want me to go so you can finish your paper?"

Derek shook his head. "No. Just stay."

…

One day in mid-April, Derek checked his voicemail after work. He had felt his phone go off about a million times while he was working, but couldn't answer it.

The first message was from Laura: "Derek! I'm—" Then he voice got really squeaky and he could tell she was crying, but he could also tell she was happy. Okay…

The next message was from Dad: "Derek! Can you believe it?" Then he broke into sobs. Right.

Melissa managed to say, "This is so great!" before she started crying.

Scott's was by far the worst. He couldn't understand a thing Scott had said.

Finally, there was a message from Stiles: "So… I'm at your house. I walked into the living room and everyone was crying and hugging. I asked what was up and it took them, like, a half an hour to tell me in a coherent way. They all said they called you, but I doubt any of them made sense. So here's the news: Laura's getting married! Josh proposed this afternoon over pizza, which is apparently romantic to them. So call your sister and have a good cry of your own. Bye!"

Derek reached his car and got in. "Shit." Laura was getting married. His sister was going to be in a white dress and walk down the aisle toward Josh. Laura would be a beautiful, but bossy bride. And Mom wouldn't be there.

Derek dialed his sister. "Derek?" her voice was still squeaky.

"You're getting married!" he shouted happily.

"I know! It's crazy. He proposed at the pizza place we went to on our first date. We still go there all the time. Everyone who works there knows us. So naturally they were all in on it. 'Will you marry me?' was spelled out in pepperoni on the pizza. It was so cute. Everyone applauded when I said yes. We got out pizza to go and had a quickie in our apartment."

"I really didn't need to know that last bit."

Laura laughed a little, but still sounded choked up. "I couldn't resist. God. The ring is perfect. Nice and simple. Not flashy at all. I'll send you a picture."

"Awesome." They were both silent for a while. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Laura said with a shaky voice. "It's just… no Mom. Most women would already be jumping into planning mode with their mothers. And I know I have Melissa. It's just not the same, you know?"

"I know," Derek replied softly. "But if at any time during all of this you find yourself really missing her, just call me. Because I'll be able to understand. But try to remember, Melissa will be way into this. She doesn't have a daughter, you know? And while I know she'll get why you're upset about Mom…"

"She'll still want me to be happy," Laura finished. "I know. I'll talk to her about it tomorrow. Maybe we can find a way to honor Mom at the wedding."

"That'd be great."

Laura let out a breath. "Okay. I feel a little better now. Hey. Could you go by the cemetery and tell Mom? You know, since I can't?"

"Yeah. I'll do it, Laura."

"Thanks, Derek. Love you."

"Love you too." They ended the call and Derek drove to the cemetery.

He walked to his mom's grave and sat down. "Hey, Mom. Laura wanted me to tell you she's getting married. You know the guy. Josh. She introduced you to him over Christmas. He's a good guy, you know. He really does love Laura. And he puts up with Laura's shit. And he actually likes out family. You know how weird we are, and how hard it is to fit in. He's already one of us. Like Stiles."

Derek bit his lip and stared at his mother's gravestone. "You know, since the last time I saw you, Stiles told me he loves me. I… I haven't said it back. I mean I feel the same. It's just… scary. You know, letting someone have your heart. Trusting them not to hurt you. I've already been hurt, and it sucks. I know I can trust Stiles, though."

Derek sighed. "It seems dumb when I say it out loud. Because Stiles is different. Different than, like, the entire world. And we both know more than anyone that life is too short to not tell the people you love that you love them." Derek looked over to where Stiles' mom was buried. He thought about what Stiles had said about Stilinskis loving forever, and how the Sheriff refused to take off his wedding ring. Would Derek be that for Stiles? Something inside Derek told him that he would be. And while it freaked him out, it also made him feel… good. "Shit."

Derek stood. "I'll see you soon, Mom. I love you."

He raced to his car and drove to the Stilinski house. He knocked on the door—maybe a little too loudly.

Stiles answered with a smile. "You really wanted in my house."

"Um. Is your dad working right now?"

"Yup. Come on in."

Derek followed Stiles into the living room. They sat on the couch and Stiles asked, "So why are you so excited to be in my company? I mean, I know I'm awesome and wonderful, but I figured you'd be celebrating Laura's betrothal with your family."

"Well. You're family too."

Stiles chuckled. "I did force my way in a little."

"No. You fit. Naturally. Your dad too."

Stiles kissed Derek's cheek. "Aw. Good. You guys aren't getting rid of either of us. So. Do you want—"

"I love you," Derek blurted out.

Stiles grinned. "I know. So. You want a drink? Maybe a snack? We can watch a movie."

"Sure. Whatever you're having." Derek sat for a minute after Stiles left the room. Then he followed Stiles into the kitchen. Stiles was just making popcorn like it was no big deal. "I was freaking out about saying it and you just reply with 'I know?'"

Stiles turned away from the microwave. "Well, I do know. That's why it didn't bother me when you didn't say it back before. I knew you needed to process your insecurities or fears or whatever."

"It's hard to be mad at you when you understand me so well."

Stiles went up to Derek, put his arms around him, and kissed him. "I love you lots and lots. No matter how weird you are."

"Please. You're the weird one in this relationship. But I still love you anyway."

Stiles smiled at him. "You like saying it, don't you?"

The microwave beeped, signaling the popcorn being done. "I do." Derek kissed Stiles again, slowly moving them until Stiles was up against the fridge. As Stiles' hands wondered Derek's body, Derek ravished Stiles' neck. "I want to… shit."

Stiles snorted. "You wanna shit?"

"No, asshole. I was thinking I wanted to do something, but we don't have any, you know, protection."

Stiles raised his eyebrows. "I do."

"You do?"

"Yeah. And lube."

"When exactly did you acquire all these items?"

"They were a gift from Isaac and Danny. For my birthday. It was, like, a thank you for getting them together."

"Your friends are odd."

"Hey, man. They're gonna be in the wedding party."

"What wedding party?" Derek asked.

"Our future wedding party."

Derek ran his fingers down Stiles' cheek. "You're ridiculous."

"And yet you still want to make sweet love to me."

"I do."

Stiles let out a happy laugh then fucking climbed Derek. His legs were wrapped around Derek's waist. One arm was behind Derek's neck, and the other hand was on the back of Derek's head. And he was kissing Derek with such an intensity that it really didn't take Derek long to get painfully hard. Well, that plus the promise of sex.

"Room," Stiles said against Derek's lips.

"There's no way your dad will be home soon, right?" Derek really didn't want to get shot for having sex in the Sheriff's house. With his son. In said son's bed.

"He won't be back until the sun comes up."

"Awesome." Derek carried Stiles upstairs, the popcorn and movie plans forgotten.

Once in Stiles' room Derek dropped Stiles on the bed. He kicked his shoes off, and when he looked at Stiles again, Stiles was down to his underwear. Derek smiled. "That was speedy."

"Hey. I'm excited. This is the first time I'm gonna have sex with the love of my life."

Derek took his shirt off. "The love of your life?"

"Duh. I've been waiting around for you since I was four, okay? Yeah, there have been other crushes and Isaac, but Derek Hale has always been the leading man in my heart."

Derek removed his pants before joining Stiles on the bed. "Aw. You're such a romantic." His lips grazed Stiles' chest then he used his tongue to tease the nipples.

Stiles groaned. "Romance is my middle name. Fuck," Stiles cursed when Derek's hand slipped into his underwear.

"So how do you wanna do this?" Derek asked. "You want to top or bottom?"

"Whatever you want, love."

Derek really liked that term of endearment. "I wanted to top. This time."

"Okie dokie. I like the promise of switching it up." Stiles fumbled with his side table drawer and pulled out a pack of condoms and some lube. "Let's get to it."

Derek chuckled as he pulled off Stiles' underwear. He grabbed the lube and slicked up his fingers. "So, um, this will probably be over quickly."

"Good. I won't be the only one."

Derek was a little surprised at how easy it was to open Stiles up. "Have you been doing this to yourself?"

"Oh yeah," Stiles said with a nod as he pushed down on Derek's fingers. "Every day while I'm jerking off. Imagining that it's you inside me. Fuck. I've thought about you while touching myself since puberty."

"Did you even think about me while you were dating Isaac?" Okay. Derek was a little—a lot—jealous that Isaac got to see Stiles like this before he did.

"I even thought about you while fucking Isaac."

"Shit." Derek gave Stiles a sloppy, frantic kiss. "Is it terrible of me to be happy about that?"

"Yes. But I dig it. I'm pretty sure I'm good to go."

"Right." Now Derek was getting a little nervous. It had definitely been some time since he had sex. He wanted this to actually be good for Stiles.

"Stop overthinking," Stiles said. He pushed Derek's boxer briefs off and then went about putting a condom on Derek. "It's gonna be wonderful."

"Right," Derek repeated as he slowly entered Stiles. And, oh yeah, now way was Derek going to last long.

Stiles felt perfect as Derek moved inside of him. It was as if they were meant to fit together. And Stiles… Stiles' eyes were locked with Derek's the entire time. Derek could actually see the love and adoration in those eyes. Hell, it was the first time Derek even felt loved during sex. And Stiles clung to him like Derek was the only thing holding him to Earth.

Derek came with Stiles' name spilling from his lips. Noticing Stiles was still hard, Derek finished him off with his mouth. "Sorry that was so quick," he said when he settled next to Stiles.

"Shut up." Stiles snuggled against Derek. "That is gonna go down in History books as the best sex in all the world. No one can top us and our hotness."

"Worth the wait?"

"Of course. I'd wait for you forever."

"Fuck. I love you."

"I know you do." Stiles kissed Derek's neck. "And I love you too."

…

"You're an idiot," Stiles told Scott as they lined up for graduation. Scott had just informed Stiles that he was going to propose to Allison after the graduation ceremony.

"It's romantic," Scott insisted. "She'll know that I want to be with her forever. Even though she's going to school two hours away."

"No. You just want any dudes who will be into her at school to know she's taken."

Scott shuffled his feet a little. "Well, that too. But it's mostly because I love her and want her to know this is a forever thing."

"Whatever, man. How'd you afford a ring anyway?"

"My mom gave me her grandmother's engagement ring."

"Your parents are cool with this?" Mark and Melissa always told their children to never rush into things.

"They were kinda pissed at first. But then I told them we wouldn't even bother with planning the wedding until after college and we have steady jobs. It's what I told Allison's parents too."

"You got their permission?" What year was Scott living in?

"Duh. I didn't want her dad to stab me or something if I just surprised them with it. He has a terrifying weapons collection. And since I asked permission, her dad actually seems to like me now."

"Well, that's good," Stiles said. "You don't want you in-laws hating you."

The ceremony was painfully boring. Stiles kept texting Derek, and Derek repeatedly told him to pay attention. Stiles did pay attention to Lydia's Valedictorian speech, though. It was fucking awesome. He cried a little. Scott sobbed. When Stiles' name was called—the principal absolutely butchered Stiles' first name—Stiles grabbed his diploma and did a fancy bow for the crowd. He totally heard Laura whistle.

Stiles found his dad after, and was given a big hug. "Your mom is in Heaven yelling at the principal for screwing up your name."

Stiles laughed. "I bet she'll visit his dreams and scare the shit out of him."

His dad looked at him with a mixture of happiness and sadness. "You're a high school graduate. Pretty much a man now. You're mom would be so proud."

"Dad. Don't cry. You know I'll cry if you do."

"Well, too bad." His dad hugged him again, and they some manly crying while holding onto each other.

Someone cleared their throat. The Stilinski men separated and smiled at Derek.

"We were spying on Scott's proposal," Derek told them. "Allison said yes."

"Good. Scott would've moped for years if she said no," Stiles said with relief.

"I'll go congratulate Scott," the Sheriff said and walked away.

Derek gave Stiles a hug and a kiss. "I'm no longer dating a high school student. Thank God."

"Feel like less of a perv now?"

"Oh yeah. You and your dad going out to eat with us?"

"Duh."

That night, Stiles and Derek were lying in Derek's bed. The Hales were kind enough to let Stiles spend the night without insisting he stay in Scott's room. Ah, adulthood.

"So I was thinking," Derek began, sounding nervous.

Stiles rested his head on Derek's chest. "About what?"

"In two years, I'll have my Master's. And I know Melissa is already working to make sure I can get a job at the hospital. I figure that after a year of working, I can get my own place."

"That sounds like a good plan."

"Yeah. Um. Are you planning on living in the dorms at all?"

"Nah. Too expensive, and I wanna live with Dad anyway." Stiles landed a scholarship, but it didn't include room costs. And textbooks alone would cost a shit load of money anyway. Stiles had to finally get a job. Derek promised to try and land him a gig at the bookstore.

"So what if, in about three years, you, you know, maybe move in with me?"

Stiles lifted his head to look at Derek. "I love that plan."

Derek smiled. "Yeah?"

"Yup. It'll be awesome. Well, after we stop fighting because I'm sure we'll annoy the fuck out of each other at first."

Derek kissed Stiles' forehead. "That should be fun."

"Oh yeah. But then we'll have make up sex in every room, on every surface of the place."

"Sounds perfect."

And Stiles knew it would be.