Soul Sparked

Chapter 16: Whatever It Takes

Stiles had recorded their conversation with the orbs but that was more for Derek's benefit than his own. Stiles has prided himself on having an eidetic memory and he had spent his time away from Derek, so far, thinking back on every detail. He was analyzing every word and every emotion he could sense. He of course had questions as someone who wanted to know anything and everything. His cheeks twinged pink because of course that applied especially to his mate. It made both Stiles and his fox giddy. That his mate had been so close yet so far.

Stiles sank down onto his bed as he was hit with a sobering question. He knew he needed to figure out one thing above all others. Could he forgive Derek? Before he knew it there were tears falling down his cheeks. He wanted to immediately answer that question with a yes, but he hesitated. He had a feeling that he would at least according to his fox but his human heart was much more fragile. His mom used to say his heart was so much more in tune with the emotions of others but also he felt things so deeply. He felt things in a way that most people didn't. So when he cried he could be inconsolable. When he laughed he could be hysterical. When he loved–well he loved with everything he had. Stiles did not do things halfway and that was why even though he knew he would forgive Derek, it was going to take time.

He sighed as he laid on his own bed, Derek having left about an hour prior with a hesitant but sure kiss to Stiles's cheek. Despite his tears Stiles found his cheeks heating up at just how quickly he was falling. Stiles knew that was how it went and if he wasn't careful, Stiles knew he'd be free falling and could only hope that when he landed Derek would be there to catch him. He grinned even harder because while they waited for Friday to arrive, he planned to see just what he could learn about the alpha wolf that was perhaps easier to talk about over text but still nothing too heavy. Stiles had had enough heavy for a while and he was eager to get to the lighthearted fluffy stuff. He curled his hand into his pillow, the flush moving down his neck because maybe just maybe there'd be some more heat too. He felt that perhaps he was being too hopeful but there was nothing wrong with hope. Maybe he'd get a kiss? Stiles giggled–a manly giggle obviously–because Friday couldn't come soon enough.

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When Derek made it back to his room he set the orb carefully on his nightstand and after ensuring it wouldn't fall he fell back onto his bed with a content sigh. He had been beyond nervous about their conversation but as soon as they started it was easy to say the words he had held in for so long. Stiles was the first person he told everything to and he didn't regret it for a moment. His gaze fell on the orb and he debated if he wanted to take full advantage of it. He felt so indecisive and before he realized it he was pulling out his phone to text–well to text Stiles because he did say they could text in the meantime. Which Derek was sure Stiles wouldn't say if he had a problem with it. It was only noon-ish. Derek shook himself out of his spiraling thoughts. This was Stiles. His mate.

To: Stiles
Hey Stiles. I know we just talked but I was wondering how the orbs work. If I want to listen to it.
Not that I wouldn't want to because like I do. Sorry I'm nervous.

Derek could be patient. He totally could but that didn't mean that he didn't leap at his phone when it vibrated with a reply from Stiles.

From: Stiles
Der? It's true we just did talk but that's okay. That doesn't mean you have to wait. I promise it's more than all right for you to text me. Hence why I gave you my number. As far as the orbs, you just have to ask it. It will only respond to you though.
Honestly Derek you don't have to listen to it if you don't want to. :) It's entirely up to you. Also don't be sorry. I'm nervous too. Just keep talking to me. I'm here.

Stiles's response had Derek grinning even as the panic dissipated. He felt so much like a high school teen with their first crush. He had tried to see if he could compare Stiles to Paige. He hadn't consciously meant to but he did and he realized that while Paige will always hold a special place in his heart, she wasn't Stiles. She wasn't his mate.