The Der-Bear-Est of Them All

Divided

Stiles decides that completely avoiding Derek isn't a good idea just as pestering him isn't a good idea. So, he still goes to the Hale House even if he doesn't get to see his mate, he still gets to spend time with his family.

Stiles is walking upstairs when he finds Derek in wolf form and is taken aback when the fully shifted form of his mate pounces on him. The wolf buries his nose in Stiles's throat. Stiles instinctually bares his throat to his mate. "I wondered if you and your wolf were at odds," he whispers.

The wolf whines and nuzzles more urgently at his mate's neck.

"I'm going to help you Der. I promise. I love you." He kisses the wolf's nose and smiles before letting go as Derek shifts back.

Derek frowns confused and then growls. "You always come in here without asking. It's rude! This is my space and I—"

Stiles flicks Derek's nose and growls back. "I'm leaving. I was checking to see how you were feeling and your wolf pounced. Don't blame me because you're at war with your wolf. He wants me which means you want me and either won't admit it or are too far gone with her hooks into you. Either way I'll help you and well after that it'll be up to you. I'll always love you, Derek." A tear slips down Stiles's cheek. "Even if you can't say the same," he whispers before turning and heading to the library where Peter is lounging.

He closes the door and curls up with the wolf tears threatening to fall. "Oh sweetheart. Don't hold back. Let them fall. I'm here."

Stiles cries. For two months now, he's felt the weakening of their bond and by the end of the school year he'll know one way or the other. He will never stop loving his mate, but he will protect his heart whatever the cost. So long as his mate is free of Jennifer and happy and safe...Stiles will find a way to give him up.

His eyes close, as the tears fall, his body wracked with sobs. His mind flashes through memory after memory.

"Shud up!" the toddler scolded. His face was twisted in a glare that was probably meant to be intimidating but all covered in flour and three years old it was just too cute. Derek being seven still found it funny. "Der! No laughin!"

"I'm sorry Stiles." Derek tried not to laugh but it was hard. 

Stiles crossed his arms and pouted. "I sowwy Stiles," the toddler parroted and he did not look pleased. 

🐾

Said toddler scurried into the bathroom with his toy fox and pointed. "Bubs!" he squealed, letting out a giggle when Derek tickled his tummy.

Once the water was the right temperature, he helped Stiles undress and get in. He started humming while he gave Stiles a bath. Other than bedtime cuddles, bath time was the only time Stiles truly settled down. The toddler's eyes glazed over as he sighed happily while Derek massaged the shampoo into his hair. 

🐾

"What's the green for?" His gaze flits over the drawing. 

"Da gween is fo you. Cause you eyes is gween."

Derek looks at Stiles and smiles fondly. "They are?"

Stiles grins and nods. "Uh huh. Pwetty gween. Wiv blue a-and gway too!" He beams proudly at his answer. 

🐾

Stiles nods with a smile as he bounces on the balls of his feet. "No talkin to stwangers. No goin too high. Be good. Don't get dirty." He searches Derek's face for approval and once he gets it, he bounds over to the slide.

Derek watches his mate playing and it fills his chest with warmth. He loves taking Stiles to the park. It's just a couple blocks from home and just hearing Stiles giggle makes his day. He takes a seat on one of the swings and slowly moves back and forth.