Sterek Shorts

Hidden Words

Derek walked into the house. He had just came from a long day of work and was ready to stay in bed for the night with his husband. He kicked off his shoes, hung his coat and bag on their hooks, and locked the door. He made his way to the bedroom, undoing his shirt and taking off his tie. 

Derek pushed open the slightly cracked door and saw Stiles sitting at his desk. 

"Hey," Derek said.

Stiles waved slightly.

"How was your day?"

"Fine."

Derek opened the top drawer of the dresser and looked for a pair of pajamas to wear for the night. 

"How was work?" Stiles asked.

"Same old, same old. I had to fire a couple of people but nothing much besides that."

Derek changed his clothes when he was satisfied with a pair of clothes. He tossed his work outfit into the hamper by the door and walked up behind Stiles. He leaned down, giving him a kiss on the head. 

"What're you doing?"

"Just looking at some old pictures," Stiles answered, hastily closing the book. 

"What are they, nudes; can I not look?" Derek laughed.

"It's nothing," Stiles huffed. He got up and turned off the lamp. "Let's just go to bed."

Derek back up, confused. He wanted to ask but didn't want to risk pushing him too far. 

"Alright."

They walked to each side of the bed, pulled back the covers and got in. Stiles laid his head down and faced away from Derek, unlike normal. Taken aback, Derek scooted closer to him and wrapped his arm around Stiles's waist.

With a sigh, Stiles still distanced himself even in Derek's arms. 

"Are you okay?" Derek whispered.

"I'm fine."

Derek hushed himself and listened. He listened for his heart beat and his breathing. Just the tone of his words and air around him was enough. 

"Talk to me."

"Derek, I said I'm fine."

Derek turned Stiles onto his back and leaned up on his arm, hovering his face over Stiles. 

"Then why'd you call me by my name?"

Stiles sighed. "I was looking at pictures of my dad."

Derek sat up, giving Stiles his full attention. Stiles stayed laying down however, he laid against Derek in his lap. 

"And you know, suddenly you realize you'll never have the good relationship you wanted," Stiles started. "And as long as they were alive, even though you never admit it, part of you...the stupidest goddamn part of you, was still holding onto that chance." 

He sighed, closing his eyes and hiding his face in his hands. Derek let him lay there. 

"Why was he such a dick?" Stiles said, his voice breaking. 

"I don't know." 

Stiles moved his hands and turned onto his stomach, wrapping his arms around Derek's waist. Derek rubbed his back and leaned against the head of their bed.