Seeking Comfort

Stiles picks a 50s diner, where the staff all dress up like they're from grease. He went for his birthday as a kid with his mom and it's been his favourite restaurant since.

Derek drives to the diner the next day, smiling warmly at Stiles.
"You okay, love?"
"Yeah, I'm excited. I hope you like it," Stiles smiles.
"I'm sure I will. You've got to be good while we're out," Derek says.
"I will try."
"Good boy. I'm going to find some paint for the loft later if you want to choose with me. I mean, you spend a lot of time there so you should like it, too."
"I would like that," Stiles agrees.

They enjoy their meal, Stiles reminiscing about the times he has had in the restaurant, Derek glad he could share something Stiles enjoys. Derek smiles as Stiles cosies up to his side.
"Share a shake with me?" Stiles asks, eyes wide and glistening as he beams.
"My pleasure."

Stiles grins, sipping on the drink as Derek does the same. They stare at each other like two lovesick teenagers. When they pull away Derek cups Stiles' face with one hand, thumb brushing back and forth over his temple. Stiles' breath hitches and without thinking Derek leans in and presses his lips to Stiles'.

It takes a moment for him to realise what he's doing, pulling away from Stiles.
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean that, that was incredibly inappropriate and-"

Stiles bites his lip. He didn't mean it, he doesn't like him.
"I should go," Stiles mumbles, avoiding Derek's gaze before he stumbles his way out with the help of his crutches.

"Scott- come pick me up. Please. I need you," Stiles whimpers down the phone.
"Okay, okay. You just stay where you are. You answer some questions while you wait. Where are you?" Scott asks.
"The diner."
"Where is Derek?"
"Inside. I'm outside," Stiles answers.
"Why, love?"
"He doesn't want me."
"That's not true, Stiles," Scott soothes. "Derek cares a lot about you."
"No, he doesn't want me," Stiles repeats like it explains it all.
"Alright. I'm just round the corner."

Scott pulls up in the car park, rushing out to pick Stiles up and help him into the car. Stiles nuzzles his face into Scotts neck and holds him close.

"I'm going to talk to Derek, you stay right here," Scott says, laughing lightly when Stiles tries to follow him. "I want you to sit right here. You can sort through my CDs."

Stiles hates how disorganised the discs are in Scott's car so a chance to fix it is tempting.

Stiles hadn't noticed in his panic that Derek wasn't in the diner and was stood a couple metres away from him to keep an eye on him.
"Derek, what the fuck?" Scott demands.
"I kissed him- I didn't mean to it just seemed like the right thing and then I realised I shouldn't and-" Derek breathes, yelling and punching the wall. He shakes his hand out and watches it heal.
"You either tell him how you feel and explain everything. Everything. Or you don't have any relationship with him," Scott tells him. He shakes his head and gets back into his car.

"Hey, Stiles, you finished?" Scott asks.
"Yes," Stiles whispers.
"Let's go home, mine or yours?"
"Yours. Dad will ask what's wrong. And get angry."
"He won't get angry at you," Scott frowns.
"Angry at Derek," Stiles reasons.
"You don't need to worry about that, Derek's a big boy and can handle his own."
"But I like him," Stiles whines. Scott bites his lip to stops himself smiling too much.
"I know you do. It'll be okay. We'll get it sorted."

When they get back to Scott's Melissa welcomes them with open arms.
"What happened to my Stiles?" She coos, hugging him tightly.
"Derek kissed him. He likes Derek. Derek said he didn't mean it which Stiles thinks means Derek doesn't like him."
"Aw, love, come sit down. I've got to go to work soon but I'll be sure to text you when I can."

Stiles is asleep when Scott comes in. Scott smiles and throws a blanket over him while he rings his dad.
"What's up, Scott?"
"Stiles' and Derek's little date went wrong. Stiles is at mine and he's dropped again."
"I'd say I'd come to see you, but I think Stiles would rather just stay with you. Can I talk to him?"

Scott nudges Stiles awake and hands him the phone.
"Hey, Stiles. How you feeling?" John asks down the phone.
"Bad," Stiles croaks.

"Why, son?"
"Derek doesn't want me."
"I think we can have this conversation when you're not dropped. Scott will look after you. Yeah?"
"Okay. Love you."
"I love you, Stiles."

Scott brings Stiles into his side, cuddling him as they watch some rerun of a comedy show.

Stiles hides away in his room again, worse than he was before he and Derek started their Dom/sub relationship. Now he's still mentally exhausted and feeling abandoned. He lets his dad in occasionally so he can have company. They mainly sit in silence or Stiles will ask for updates about the outside world.

His dad tells him that Derek hasn't been heard from since they went to the diner. Scott has taken over looking after the pack, but they mostly meet, eat food and sleep. He tells him stories from work, what's happened and who asks about him.

Stiles' nightmares return and he tells his dad that he has given up and cannot do it anymore. John holds him and reassures him that they can do, that it will be okay.

But he knows Stiles doesn't listen. He's scared to leave him home alone in case he does something dangerous. He tries to get hold of Derek, but he doesn't answer.

It's a month after Derek has disappeared that he wonders if Stiles has tried to get in touch.

"Stiles, have you rang Derek?" John asks, taking the phone from Stiles who shakes his head. "Can we? I think we can fix this."
"He doesn't want me," Stiles shrugs.
"We can try."

John puts the phone on speaker as it rings. Stiles' fingers are tapping on his leg and his head snaps up to stare at the phone when it stops ringing.

"Hello? Stiles?"
"Where are you? Why did you leave?" Stiles wails. It's like hearing Derek's voice has switched him back on.
"I though I scared you and you wanted nothing to do with me."
"No! I need you. Help me," Stiles begs.
"Okay. Okay, I'm coming back. Your house?"
"Yeah," Stiles sighs. "Scott come?"
"Scott can come, that's fine."

John pulls Stiles downstairs, making sure he won't move off the couch. He's clumsy when he isn't dropped, never mind when he is. The sheriff rings Scott and tells him to come over. When Scott gets there he hugs John and goes to cuddle Stiles.

Derek looks like crap when he gets there. He won't look at John properly, hands wringing as he hops from foot to foot.
"They're in the living room."

Stiles gasps and starts crying when Derek walks in.
"Oh no, Stiles it's okay. We will talk when you've calmed down."

He nods and turns to Scott for comfort. Scott cradles him to his chest, hand repeatedly smoothing down the back of Stiles' hair.

When Stiles stops crying Derek smiles gently at him.
"Are you ready to talk?"
"Why did you leave?" Stiles asks.
"You didn't want to kiss and you're not eighteen and I ruined everything. I'm sorry," Derek apologise.
"Are you dumb? Have your wolfy senses stopped working? I did want to. I've wanted to since I met you."
"Stiles," Derek sighs. Scott raises his eyebrows.

"It's different than just thinking you're attractive when you're a werewolf. I-I think you're my mate."
"Like mate bonds and babies? I think I've read up on it before. It's for life isn't it? Like nobody else but them?" Stiles says, realising exactly what that means.
"Yeah, like mate for life. And babies and love," Derek smiles shyly. "I understand that's a lot to comprehend, especially because you have your whole life ahead of you. My wolf was pleased for a while because you were in the pack and were my submissive, it just settled down. But when you withdrew from the pack and the incident at the diner I started to get ill. I was dropped the whole month."
"Holy shit. That's intense. I mean- the feelings are mutual. But that's really huge," Stiles sighs.
"I know. And I don't expect you to act on it at all if you don't want to."
"I do. Just slowly."
"Okay, that's great," Derek smiles. "Are you sure? I know I've just dropped a lot on you, but I don't want you to just agree because I'm a dominant."

"Trust me, he's been loving you since we met you," Scott says, smiling when Stiles grins up at him. "Want me to leave, Stiles?"
"Yes please, Scotty. Thanks."
"Okay, man. Shout if you need me."

Derek smiles warmly at Stiles.
"You have?" Derek asks.
"Yes! Can't you smell it?"
"I can smell arousal, but I'm not good at identifying positive emotions directed at me. It's a self loathing thing I'm still working on," Derek explains. Stiles nods.
"I'm more than happy to tell you, whenever you need me to, that I like you. A lot. You're funny, so caring and helpful. The fact that you're incredibly attractive is just a bonus."
"Come here."

Stiles smiles and falls into Derek's arms, sighing as they hug each other tightly.
"I missed you," Derek huffs. Stiles nods, pressing his face into Derek's neck. Derek rubs his back gently.
"We need to talk this out," Stiles murmurs.
"Later. I need to spend time with you to get better."
"Better?" Stiles asks. He pulls back, sitting on Derek's lap. Derek smiles patiently as Stiles pokes at his face until he extends his fangs and then fiddles with his hands.

"I'm not strong enough to do much right now," Derek says and his fangs disappear. "I'm as human as you right now."
"No, you're a sick werewolf," Stiles corrects. "Why did you get sick?"
"If a werewolf is with their mate for a while or if they have bonded -  my wolf thought we had an emotional but not physical bond - they will get sick when away from them," Derek explains. "I have no werewolf perks right now."
"Aw, we can play doctors," Stiles smirks. He laughs when he can hear Scott make a gagging noise.

"Anyway, how do I make you better?" Stiles asks.
"Just need contact really, talking to you helps."
"Skin to skin contact?" Stiles asks. He's been through it before with the pack after fights. When they're all still weak and healing they strip off their clothes and gather together for a cuddle. Nakedness is really no big deal for Wolves.

"Do you want to go and stay at yours?" Stiles asks. "I'd offer to stay here but my room probably smells of sad Stiles."
"Well, how about you go and change your bed and shower. I'll go and tidy up the loft while you do that."
"Okay," Stiles smiles. Derek nudges him off of his lap and watches him scamper off. He grabs his crutches and hobbles upstairs.

John and Scott come in and sit on the other couch.
"So...." Scott draws out. He laughs loudly as John hits him over the head.
"Me and Stiles are going to stay at mine tonight to help me heal more. And talk it through more," Derek says.
"That's fine. Just look after him," John grumbles. "And if you run off again I'll shoot you."
"Heard," Derek nods. He goes to the loft, tidies and opens a few windows. After doing the dishes and sorting his bedroom out he goes back to Stiles' house.

Stiles appears in the doorway, smiling at everybody in the room.
"You did what I told you?" Derek asks as he stands. Stiles nods proudly. "Good boy."
"Bye dad, bye Scotty."
"Don't do anything illegal," John warns before they leave.

Stiles is more than happy to get changed into a pair of joggers and pull his top off when he gets to the loft.
"Cuddles?" Stiles asks as Derek walks in with two cups of hot chocolate.
"Cuddles," Derek confirms. He pulls his Henley off, putting it aside for Stiles to wear later.

He rolls onto the bed, pulling the duvet back with him for Stiles. Stiles smiles and crawls into his arms. Derek pulls the duvet around them both and kisses Stiles' head.

"Y'okay?" Derek asks sleepily. Stiles nods, eyes closed and breathing slowing.

"Tired."
"Go to sleep, babe."
"Yeah," Stiles mumbles before he finally falls asleep. Derek smiles and lets himself fall asleep too.

When they wake up Stiles wriggles under the heavy weight of Derek on top of him. He smiles and runs his fingers through the werewolf's hair. Derek mumbles something and nuzzles further into Stiles' throat.
"Wake up, sleepy," Stiles says. Derek licks his neck, grinning at Stiles when he brings his head up to face him.

"You look lovely when you let your beard grow out," Stiles whispers, kissing the stubble on Derek's jaw. Derek's chest rumbles as he lets Stiles scent him.

"Look at you being all wolfy," Derek smiles, pleased with Stiles' behaviour. Stiles beams. "We still need to have a little chat."
"Can we do it over breakfast?" Stiles asks hopefully. Derek chuckles and nods.

They get out of bed, Stiles whining when Derek lets go of him. Derek hands him his crutches and they walk/hobble to the kitchen. Stiles smiles and sits down at the table, happily watching Derek move around gracefully in the kitchen.
"Your back is amazing," Stiles groans. Derek cast him a confused smile over his shoulder.
"What?"
"It's all muscly and... you're really hot," Stiles sighs dreamily.

Derek places a cup of coffee and some pop tarts in front of Stiles.
"Since when do you eat pop tarts?" Stiles asks.
"I don't. But you do so I figured I get some for you," Derek shrugs, not missing the way Stiles gapes at him before stuffing a pop tart into his mouth. "So what do we have to talk about?"
"We need to talk about what's going between us and what we are going to do about it," Derek answers, smiling to ease any of Stiles' anxiety. "Nothing bad."

"O-okay."
"We need to know how we want to proceed. Do we still want to be dom and sub? Do we want to be boyfriends? Do we want to mate?" Derek lists.
"I don't- how do I make that decision?" Stiles asks. He scowls, tugging at his hair.
"Hey, deep breaths. Would you like to continue with our dom/sub relationship?"
"Yes," Stiles breathes.
"Do you want to be boyfriends?" Derek asks. Stiles smiles shyly up at him.
"Yes."
"Do you want to mate?"
"I- I don't know," Stiles falters. "It sounds amazing, but I'm not sure everything it includes and I'd like to know more about it before I make my decision."
"That's good Stiles, I like that you are being very reasonable and mature about it. Good boy."

Stiles flushes when Derek murmurs the last two words.
"So are we boyfriends now?" Stiles asks, excited. Derek shakes his head, causing Stiles to drop his head and stare at the tables.
"I plan to ask you out properly, when I take you out for dinner. Nothing more than kisses now. No funny business."
"What?" Stiles gasps. "That is just totally not fair."

Derek chuckles. As he catches Stiles' gaze he smirks.
"Trust me," Derek says, voice low. "I want to touch you and tease you, taste your skin and memorise the way your breath hitches when my tongue or my fingers or even my dick moves just right. I want to make you fall apart, figure out what makes you squirm and whine and moan. I want to find what I can do to make it that much better for you so you see stars. I want to know how you touch yourself, what you usually like and then do the opposite to see how you react."

Stiles' eyes are wide, mouth open as he drops his hands to cover the bulge quickly forming in his pants.
"I can't wait until you smell like me inside and out. Until you're so wrecked that you can only call my name. I'll kiss and taste every inch of your skin. I want to feel every emotion, hear every noise and call of my name. I want everyone to see my marks on you and your marks on me and everyone will know that we belong to each other."
"Derek, fuck," Stiles shudders, palming himself through his pants.
"So beautiful, only had to talk and you're so desperate. I wonder what else I could do to make you so needy," Derek ponders. Stiles licks his lips, knowing Derek's eyes are tracking the movement. "And then, if you decide to mate with me, I'll bury my knot so far in you and tie us together until we no longer know where one starts and one finishes."

He watches as Stiles squeezes himself through his pants. Derek clears his throat and fixes himself to make his erection less noticeable.
"Don't make me look like the only horny one," Stiles complains. Derek grunts. "I -I'm not the only horny one am I?" Stiles worries. Derek so quick to be by his side to soothe him.

"No, love, you're not."

He picks Stiles up, welcoming the legs that wrap around his waist and the arms that hook around his neck and the dick that presses into his stomach. His own dick is staining against his clothes. Stiles' breath hitches as Derek presses him against the wall, closing the space between them as their foreheads press together. He feels his mind melting into a contestant stream of 'DerekDerekDerekDerek.'

Their breaths mingle and Stiles let's his eyes flutter closed as Derek presses their lips together. It's brief and fleeting, Stiles wanting to beg until he feels Derek's lips trail down to his jaw.

"Der," Stiles whines, wriggling so his dick rubs against Derek. "Please."
"Shh, love, be good. Be patient," Derek whispers, one hand coming down to palm Stiles over his clothes.

Derek let's his eyes flash red as Stiles told his head back and moans, baring his neck.
"Stiles, do you-"
"I know what it means," Stiles mumbles, whimpering  as Derek sucks a small mark beneath his jaw. "Fuck. Please touch me."

Derek pulls away, putting Stiles on the couch. Stiles whines sadly.
"What was that for?" He pouts.
"That was to stop me from doing anything I told you I wouldn't. I said we'd only kiss."
"And we've barely even kissed. Der, come lie down," Stiles suggests, patting the couch.
"Promise you won't try anything?" Derek says, kneeling on the couch. Stiles nods, grinning as Derek cups his head and pulls him close.

Their lips fit together and move slowly, Stiles pulling Derek to lie over him as he tugs on his shirt hair. Derek's chest rumbles when Stiles wraps his legs around him and pulls his hips down to meet his.

"Stiles," Derek berates. Stiles sighs, disappointed in himself. "No more. I want you to kneel or sit how ever is comfortable. And I'll set a timer on my phone for ten minutes. I expect you to be silent unless you need to colour. Do you understand?"
"I understand," Stiles gulps. He kneels so his ankle is hanging over the edge of the couch and bows his head, holding his hands behind his back.

Derek leans over once Stiles has settled and kisses him chastely once.
"It's not bad that you're aroused, love, I'm very pleased that you are. But I need you to understand that we will not be venturing beyond kissing and some questionable cuddling-" Stiles starts smiling again - "until you turn eighteen. And even then we will take it slow. I don't want to rush you and do everything you haven't done all in the space of a few days. I am okay with you touching yourself if you ask me. I'd prefer it to be when we're together, but if we're apart you can always ring me and I'll talk you through it. Would you like that?"

Stiles nods.
"You can talk when I ask you a question."
"Yeah, I would. Would you be there when I touch myself or will you just give me permission and leave the room?"
"I will do whatever you're comfortable with, Stiles."

Stiles squirms until Derek rests a heavy hand on his shoulder to keep him still.
"I like the idea of you watching," Stiles whispers, face flushing. Derek smiles gently.
"That's okay, babe. You're allowed to like and want sexual things. When my alarm goes off I will drop you off at your house and you can get ready for dinner. I will pick you up at 6."
"Do I have to?" Stiles asks sadly. Derek shuffles over and his fingers brush gently over Stiles' cheek. Stiles melts into the touch, leaning towards Derek who grins and kisses his cheek.

"Why don't you want to do that, baby?" Derek asks, his hands brushing up and down Stiles' sides gently.
"I don't want to leave you. I feel like I miss you already."
Derek frowns as Stiles starts to sniffle. Stiles stares up at the ceiling and he tries to blink away all of his tears.

"Oh love, come here," Derek frowns. "What's wrong, hey?"

Stiles nuzzles his head into Derek's chest, sighing when Derek squeezes him tight.
"I'm just worried."
"And why are you worrying, my love?"
"It's just really intense. One minute I was convinced you hated me and the next you're telling me you're my mate and you get ill when you're away from me. I haven't really stopped to absorb any information. But it's a lot."

Derek smooths the back of Stiles' hair, kissing his head. He shushes Stiles' sad noises  until he has stopped crying.
"There, all better," Derek murmurs, kissing Stiles' nose. "Smile, love."

Stiles pouts and shakes his head stubbornly. Derek smirks. He brings his thumb up to rub the bruise he sucked into Stiles' neck earlier.
"So pretty and beautiful. I can't really complain about getting sick because that just means I get to keep you by my side," Derek whispers into his ear. He presses light kisses from Stiles' ear to his lips. Stiles' lips tug up slightly at the corner. "Ah, so kisses and compliments will make you smile. What about nicknames? Do you like baby? Love? Princess? Pumpkin? Sugar lump? Princess pumpkin lump?"

Stiles starts laughing loudly, grinning at Derek.
"Now that is just beautiful," Derek breathes, kissing Stiles quickly.
"Thank you," Stiles smiles and kisses Derek again.
"No problem. So you think you can go home and get ready or do you want me to be with you?" Derek asks.

"I'll go on my own. I'll be okay. Am I staying here tonight?"
"Nope. You are spending the night with Scott and maybe a couple other people. Let's go drop you off."

Derek drives Stiles home and leaves him with a parting kiss, waving goodbye and waiting until Stiles is inside before going back to the loft.

When the sheriff comes home he hugs Stiles and asks him what he's getting all fancied up for.
"Derek's taking me out for dinner," Stiles answers with a grin.
"That sounds nice. Is he treating you right?"
"He's been wonderful," Stiles sighs happily.
"Try anything illegal?" John asks. Stiles huffs and elbows his dad with a shy smile.
"No, he wouldn't let me."

Stiles laughs as his dad pulls a disgusted face.
"Well, I'll leave you to get ready. Come say goodbye before you leave."
"I will."

He tugs on his skinniest jeans and a navy polo shirt, gnawing at his lip as he looks at himself in the mirror. His phone buzzes and he smiles.

From Derek:
Stop worrying, I can smell you from here xx

To Derek:
Sorry. Where is here?xx

"Stiles! Derek's here!" His dad shouts. He grabs his phone and hurries downstairs. Derek is stood at the bottom of the stairs, smiling up at Stiles.
"You okay?" He asks.
"I'm great. You?"
"Amazing," Derek grins, wrapping his arm around Stiles' waist when he is beside him. Stiles beams and slips his hand under Derek's shirt.

"See you later, dad."

Derek and Stiles sit in comfortable quiet on the way to the restaurant, though Stiles is practically buzzing out his chair.
"Excited?" Derek chuckles. He offers his hand to Stiles who blushes and links their fingers together.
"Sorry," Stiles mumbles.
"Don't apologise, Stiles. I'm glad you are looking forward to it. I love seeing you happy."

He squeezes Stiles' hand tighter as he talks, his thumb brushing over the soft skin repeatedly. Stiles sticks close to Derek's side until they are seated in the restaurant.
"Where am I staying tonight? Is it Scott's?"
"Yeah. You ready to gossip to the pack?" Derek smiles.
"Is that okay? If I tell them?"
"Yes, but if they pester you or ask too many questions just ring me and I'll come be all alpha," Derek smirks.
"You're hot when you go all alpha," Stiles smiles. Derek bites his lip to stop himself grinning too much.

They order without dropping their grins and make small talk while they wait for their food.

It's calm and Stiles is sure Derek can hear his heart beating fast every time his foot brushes up his calf. They eat their food while Derek talks about the month he'd been gone.

"I stayed with my family. They really helped me figure out the whole mate thing while I was there and what I should do about it. Admittedly, I didn't take their advice until you rang me. I wish I would've pulled my head out of my arse long before then."

Stiles frowns, doesn't like Derek putting himself down.
"Hey, you dropped and it was a really big thing for you to address. Don't blame yourself, I could have got in touch earlier, too," Stiles comforts.

They decide to skip dessert, Stiles whining that dessert would let them spend more time together. Derek fixes him with a stern glare.
"Don't be naughty, you've been good all day," Derek says softly. Stiles flushes and nods his head. He averts his eyes and stares at his empty plate.

"Oh, love, I'm not angry at you. Come on, we'll go."

Stiles gulps and follows Derek closely, shuddering as Derek guides him with a hand on his back. When they get outside Derek pulls him into a tight hug. Stiles snuffles and his hands grip Derek's shirt tightly.

"You're not in trouble. I'm still very pleased with how you have been. You are a good boy. My good boy," Derek soothes. "Now, I will drive you to Scott's. And you will have fun and text me and not worry. Tonight and until we discuss new rules for our new relationship, you can act like you usually would. You will still be reprimanded if you're being obviously bad."
"Okay. Okay, thank you," Stiles sighs, relieved. Derek stroked his hair and kisses his head.

They kiss sweetly for a moment, Stiles smiling up at Derek.
"You are so beautiful."
"Not too bad yourself, alpha," Stiles grins and laughs as Derek kisses him fiercely again.

They get to Derek's car and drive in a comfortable silence until they reach Scott's. Derek's hand rubs Stiles' thigh gently.
"Stiles?"

Stiles hums, climbing over to straddle Derek's lap when Derek pats his thigh. He hooks his arms around Derek's neck, fingers playing with the shirt hairs at his nap. Derek smiles softly, hands squeezing Stiles' hips gently.
"Be my boyfriend?" Derek asks as Stiles leans into him. Stiles' eyes close when Derek's lips brush his briefly. Their noses knock together as Stiles nods.

Derek grins, letting Stiles pull him into a deep, slow kiss. He has to pull away laughing when he hears the pack inside the house muttering conspiracies of what's happened.
"What's so funny, Der?" Stiles asks, but finds himself laughing too.

"You, my love, have a pack of nosy werewolves waiting to hear your story. Go on, I'll message you later."

Stiles beams and allows himself to revel in the short, fleeting kisses Derek presses to his lips before he lets him go.

Derek feels his smirk grow when he listens to Stiles walk in and Scott shouts: 'bro! You've been crushing non him forever and now it's a thing!'