Leave Me In Ruins

He only wanted to help

Stiles stumbled as he climbed out of his jeep. His head nearly smacking the door as he closed it before he was properly out of the way. "Dad," he shouted.

Cop cars littered the front of his house. One belonged to his dad. He knew his dad was safe. He'd spoken to him moments ago on the phone. But Stiles couldn't help the panic that had set in. Was everyone okay? Was everyone safe? Why the need for so many cop cars if so?

"Stiles." Noah rushed from the house and down the steps. He collided with Stiles in a crushing hug.

"What's going on?" Stiles had hung up with his father as he arrived at the house.

"I'm so glad you weren't here," Noah said, holding Stiles close.

Stiles pulled back as a stretcher was wheeled out, a sheet covering it. "Dad?"

Noah dropped his chin to his chest.

His dad had said that Derek was on his way. Was that him? Was Derek...? He could hardly breathe. The earth began to spin under him.

"Kai was close by when the call came through. He didn't wait for backup," Noah said just as Derek stepped out of the house, behind the stretcher.

A breath punched from Stiles' chest. He could have cried. The ground stilled as he realized Derek was okay.

"Stiles," Derek said in relief. He and Stiles met in a similar colliding hug.

Derek immediately pulled back. His nose wrinkled as the sharp stench of someone else pierced his senses. His jaw clenched as his fangs threatened to bare. His fingers tingled as he fought to keep his claws at bay.

"Where were you?" Derek growled, not meaning for the words to be so harsh. It was hard for him to smell someone on Stiles like that. Someone other than himself.

Stiles opened his mouth to lie but knew it was futile. Derek had clearly smelled the blond on him. He kicked himself for not thinking of that earlier. Not that he was thinking about anything clearly on his way here.

"I just needed to get out," he answered. It wasn't a lie, but it also kept him from having to say out loud what he did. Not that he had to justify it. He was an adult. He was single. He could do what he wanted.

Derek didn't respond. He was worried that if he did, he wouldn't be able to keep his wolf in check. He rarely had the urge to lose control like he did now. Not since he was young and learning to control his shift. He was relieved when Parrish approached.

"Derek, I'm sorry, but we have to keep this kosher. I need to take your statement."

"My car's at the station anyway," Derek nodded.

Stiles didn't know why he felt guilty. He hadn't done anything wrong, technically. Sure, he shouldn't have been out picking up guys when there was a murderer that could look like anyone, but he knew that wasn't why he felt guilty.

"Derek." Stiles caught Derek as he stepped by him. His fingers pressed into the soft skin of Derek's wrist. It reminded him of the night he'd gently held Derek's wrists above his head as he sunk down onto him. He immediately let go. He couldn't think like that every time he touched Derek.

Derek waited for Stiles to say something, his eyes unable to meet Stiles'.

"I'm sorry about Kai."

"He was too eager to help." Derek shook his head before following Parrish.

He felt his wolf relax as he put distance between him and Stiles. He could breathe again. He had mixed feelings about Kai's death. He couldn't help but feel slightly responsible. Derek had wondered if Kai's determination to keep Stiles safe was to earn favor with him. Derek had been sure it was due to feelings for Stiles, but now that he knew he was one that had Kai's interest, he wondered if the motives weren't because of him. It was no secret to anyone that Stiles was important to him. Perhaps Kai thought he could use that to his advantage. He'd been wrong. All it got him was killed.